Arsenal draw up January transfer plan in pursuit of Leeds-linked winger
Arsenal are aiming to beat Leeds to the signing of a talented winger by submitting a large bid in January, according to reports.
The Gunners improved their creative options in the summer with the arrival of Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian joined from Spanish giants Real Madrid for a reported £30million.
He has made six appearances this campaign and scored the winner against Burnley last month.
Due to the club’s recent failures, particularly in the Premier League, Arsenal chiefs want to bring in more attacking talent.
They are in the market for a new striker to replace Alexandre Lacazette. Youssef En-Nesyri is one option who has received the backing of pundit Kevin Campbell.
Arsenal are also looking at new wingers to challenge the likes of Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe.
One name that continues to crop up in reports in Club Brugge’s Noa Lang. The 22-year-old is a versatile forward who can play out on the left flank or down the middle.
He enjoyed a brilliant campaign in 2020-21, picking up 14 league goals in just 24 appearances. Lang has continued that form this term and is already on eight goal contributions from 13 games.
He impressed during the recent Champions League group matches against Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig.
Arsenal are joined by Leeds in the hunt for Lang’s signature. The Gunners are looking to steal a march on their English rivals by drawing up a January bid early.
Robinho, Eto’o or Johnson? Which example will Newcastle follow with their newly acquired wealth?
Belgian outlet Voetbal 24 (via Goal) claim that Mikel Arteta’s side are preparing a €30m (£24m) offer. They want to launch it as soon as the winter window opens on January 1.
However, this is below Brugge’s asking price of €40m (£34m). They may be forced to reduce their demands in order to improve their transfer funds.
Leeds officials will be keeping a watchful eye on the situation. Lang is is viewed as a potential replacement for Raphinha, who continues to be linked with Liverpool.
Thierry Henry gives Arsenal verdict
Former striker Thierry Henry has questioned where the Gunners are headed under Arteta.
They finished eighth last season and lost the first three league games of the current campaign. The victory against Tottenham improved their position, although a recent goalless draw with Brighton was particularly disappointing.
When asked about Arsenal’s predicament, Henry said: “I don’t know if things are going in the right direction. I watched the Brighton game. Did you watch it?
“I’ve seen us beating Norwich before, winning at Burnley, beating Tottenham at home – because we always beat Tottenham at home.
“I was more than happy when we beat Tottenham as we were on a good run but I was waiting to see a performance, away from home, against a team that passes the ball. And, instead, we suffered.”
READ MORE: Transfer ‘demanded’ as Arsenal outcast sees exit track reignite for January
The post Arsenal draw up January transfer plan in pursuit of Leeds-linked winger appeared first on TEAMtalk.