Arsenal are now eyeing a surprise move for a “fantastic” Premier League striker, who is desperate to leave his club this summer, according to a report.
Gunners' striker pursuit heating up
As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, the Gunners have now stepped up their pursuit of a new striker, and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has recently joined the list of targets, with a hijack of Newcastle United’s move for the Cameroonian on the cards.
Talks have also been held over a deal for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with the north Londoners now pushing hard to complete a move for the Slovenian, but the 21-year-old is not believed to be their top target.
Right at the top of the list is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with talks recently being held over a deal for the Sweden international, ahead of what could be an early summer deal.
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Talks have since been accelerated, with the forward clearly held in very high regard at the Emirates Stadium, but a surprise alternative option from the Premier League has also entered the frame.
That is according to a report from France (via Sport Witness), which states Arsenal are now in the picture to sign Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku this summer, with the Frenchman determined to seal a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Having fallen down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca, the 27-year-old’s relationship with Chelsea is at the point of no return, which means he is set to search for a new club this summer, and he would be keen to sign for a side in the Champions League.
There may be competition for Nkunku’s signature, however, with Bayern Munich expressing an interest, having also been keen to take him to Germany back in the January transfer window.
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures
Date
PSG (h)
April 29th
AFC Bournemouth (h)
May 3rd
PSG (a)
May 7th
Liverpool (a)
May 11th
Newcastle United (h)
May 18th
"Fantastic" Nkunku needs fresh start
The France international arrived at Stamford Bridge for the hefty fee of £52m, but it would be fair to say he has flattered to deceive, particularly this season, scoring just three goals in 27 Premier League outings.
However, the former RB Leipzig man picked up a remarkable 70 goals and 55 assists in 172 matches during his time with the German club, so it is clear he has quality, but he may need a fresh start at a club more willing to give him consistent starts.
The forward has also been praised for his versatility by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, who said: “He is a player, a fantastic player, that was top scorer in the Bundesliga and he can play in different positions. His quality is amazing.”
That said, Arsenal should have serious reservations about signing Nkunku, given his failure to adapt to life in the Premier League, and it would probably be wise to pursue an alternative target.
