Arsenal may foil Chelsea’s intentions to get Victor Osimhen from Napoli. Sources at Football Insider claim Mikel Arteta is eager to bring in a new number nine this summer. Although Arsenal has long-standing interest in Osimhen, getting his signing will not be simple. On Chelsea’s radar too is the 25-year-old Napoli striker. The Blues have been negotiating a possible Romelu Lukaku swap contract with Napoli. Arsenal now wants to seize this trade, however, by aggressively pushing Osimhen personally.
Arsenal Plan To Hijack This “Chelsea Target”
A new striker is viewed as the last piece Arsenal needs to rival Manchester City in the Premier League next season. With 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli, Osimhen has been outstanding. Though he has an outstanding record, getting him will be expensive. Arsenal would have to unload some players to pay for Osimhen’s move. Emile Smith Rowe was just sold by the team to Fulham. Football Insider also notes Arsenal is free to sell academy graduate Eddie Nketiah. These actions could enable the money needed for Osimhen to be generated.
Arsenal also has Victor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon as a more reasonably priced option. Gyokeres is a reasonable target as his reduced price tag makes sense Signing a new striker might also call into doubt Gabriel Jesus’ future at the team. The Brazilian has battled to reach Arteta’s target levels.
Notwithstanding this, Football Insider reports that while Arsenal expects offers for Gabriel Jesus, he is anticipated to remain. The possible introduction of a new striker might heighten rivalry among the team.
Arsenal overall has a great difficulty obtaining Victor Osimhen’s signature, especially since Chelsea is also in the running. Although Osimhen would be a great acquisition, Arsenal would have to take other choices such Gyokeres under consideration given his hefty cost. Whichever they sign, the Gunners have to figure out how to strengthen their attack to challenge Manchester City next season.
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Arsenal has its eyes fixed on Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Mundo Deportivo claims the Gunners take landing the 28-year-old very serious. Though they have agreed on personal terms with him, they have not yet made an official offer. Atletico Madrid has also shown interest, trying to recruit Merino with Robin Le Normand. Merino, however, showed little interest in side serving Diego Simeone. Arsenal seems to have a straight road if they want to go forward as Sociedad only got Atletico’s bid.
After weeks of negotiations, Arsenal just traded Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham. The Gunners want to utilize the money this transaction has released for a new midfielder. Despite being a different kind of player than Smith Rowe, Merino would benefit the team with his defensive abilities and flair for goal scorer contribution.
Merino lead the top five leagues in duels gained throughout the season across Europe. Praise has come from his recoveries, tackles, and clearances. For Sociedad, he also scored eight goals and gave five assists, therefore demonstrating strong attacking ability. Kieran Tierney called him world-class even.
Merino could work on his distribution among other things. Although Sociedad’s playing style may have hindered this side of his game, he may excel at Arsenal where possession is a top priority. Depending on the opponent, manager Mikel Arteta might use him in many capacities, therefore maximizing his flexibility.
