Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack this summer, but it is understood a big signing will not materialize after Morgan Rodgers left for rivals Chelsea for £117m.
Arsenal could make move for Bradley Barcola after missing out on Morgan Rodgers (Image: Getty)
There has been speculation for weeks that Arsenal could be in pole position to sign Morgan Rodgers, but the sight of the England star in Chelsea’s blues will sting for Mikel Arteta.
After all, the Spaniard is looking for quality additions to the team that won the Premier League for the first time since 2004 last season. And no doubt Rodgers would have thought so, having established himself as one of England’s most exciting young attackers with Aston Villa in recent years.
With Rodgers’ £117m move to Chelsea now complete, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for a new left-handed attacker.
The good news is that there are still plenty of quality players they can sign to level up their attack, especially considering Arsenal were prepared to spend big money on Rodgers. The following five players are currently eligible for transfer.
1. Bradley Barcola
It’s no secret that Arsenal admire Barcola, with Rodgers perhaps the most obvious candidate now overshadowed. There is also no evidence that Liverpool are also fond of the Frenchman, so this is not necessarily a firm conclusion. In fact, at the time of writing, it has emerged that they are confident of beating the Premier League champions for his signature if both teams decide to make the move.
In terms of quality options on the left wing that could realistically be acquired this summer, Barcola is right up there. He will be an upgrade over Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, whose departures are uncertain. He has scored double figures in goals in League One in each of the past two seasons and is clearly able to withstand the weight of expectations that comes with starring in a team chasing big honours. Barcola has been impressive, but PSG’s bewildering attacking wealth and interest in Yann Diomande has made Barcola expendable, which is a huge benefit to Arsenal.
2. Yann Diomand
Yann Diomande has attracted the attention of many clubs this summer (Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Yes, despite strong interest from Liverpool, Diomande appears to be leaning towards a move to PSG if he is sold by RB Leipzig this summer. But maybe Arsenal could pull off a hijack of their own if they’re keen to sign a big name in attack.
Young, dynamic and capable of playing on either wing, Diomande could be a real signing for Arsenal if things go well. One obstacle to a deal could be Leipzig’s asking price. Liverpool have indicated they are willing to pay 100 million euros (approximately 8.6 billion yen) to sign the 19-year-old. Leipzig are thought to have €130m (about £110.9m) available.
3. Kenan Yildiz
Kenan Yildiz is known as a highly respected player at Arsenal (Image: (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images))
Yildiz is also a player with whom Arsenal are aware of past links. Earlier this month, it emerged that an investigation into the 21-year-old Turkish sensation had been rejected by Juventus, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere.
But now that Rodgers is out, perhaps it’s time for Arsenal to seriously test Juventus’ resolve and spend big on Yildiz. Unlike the current club, Arsenal will not be able to provide Yildiz Champions League football. Add to that the chance that he could become one of the mainstays of Arsenal’s new attacking line-up, and he could be convincing.
4. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford could still leave Manchester United this summer (Image: Tullio Puglia – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
This will definitely raise some eyebrows. However, Rashford is a proven player who can thrive in the Premier League. Is it really such a big challenge to follow the England star who had a great season with Barcelona?
We all know Rashford has faced challenges in recent years. But on the day he was the winner. One thing to note is that today is not his day yet. A fresh start in the familiar surroundings of the Premier League, alongside a strong XI, could make Rashford a smart option. Both deals will be much cheaper than the alternatives on this list, meaning Arsenal will have more money to spend elsewhere.
5. Nico Williams
Nico Williams signed a new contract with Athletic Club last summer, but it comes with a thick release clause (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal are used to chasing links with Spain internationals in the past, but could a move for Williams be revived?
Williams was heavily pursued last summer, but has now committed his future to Athletic Bilbao on an unusual 10-year contract. But now that Arsenal have shown they are the real deal, winning the Premier League and coming close to doubling their Champions League title, they may be able to lure Williams to north London.
He would be an upgrade to Arsenal’s current left wing options. And strange things are definitely happening when it comes to transfers. After all, Williams’ contract is said to include a £90m release clause, so he may not spend the next 10 years at Bilbao.
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