Arsenal have now joined the race for a Premier League forward who has “X-factor pace”, but they may have to pay at least £43m for his services, according to a report.
Gunners set sights on new winger
After progressing past Real Madrid last week, the Gunners have a golden opportunity to win the Champions League for the first time, but Mikel Arteta’s side have been hampered in their Premier League title pursuit by a number of injury issues.
Bukayo Saka’s long-term absence arguably hit the north Londoners the hardest, with the inexperienced Ethan Nwaneri being given the nod at right-wing while the talisman was sidelined, underlining the need for Arteta to bolster his wide options this summer despite Nwaneri’s clear potential.
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams appears to be among the main targets, with a bid for the Spanish winger now being formulated, while talks have also been held over a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who could be available for a fee of just £25m.
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Williams has been a long-term target for Arteta, given the level of his performances for club and country, while Cherki has been in remarkable form for Lyon this season, amassing 12 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.
However, with neither player proven in England, Arsenal are also monitoring a winger who has performed very well in the Premier League this season, namely Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, according to a report from Caught Offside.
Elanga has caught the eye for the Tricky Trees, meaning a whole host of Premier League clubs are also in the race for his signature, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Manchester United.
Forest haven’t put the winger up for sale, and they are considering offering him a contract extension, but there is a feeling they could be open to bids of at least €50m (£43m).
"Powerful" Elanga impressing for Europe-chasing Forest
Forest’s Champions League hopes have recently taken a hit, having lost their last two Premier League games, but they remain in a strong position to qualify for Europe next season, and the 22-year-old has been one of their most important players.
The Forest star has six goals and eight assists to his name in 32 Premier League outings, having predominantly featured at right-wing, although the Swede has often featured on the opposite side throughout his career, indicating he could push for Gabriel Martinelli’s starting spot.
The former Man United man has also impressed both Andy Reid and Jamie Redknapp this season, with the former particularly impressed by his “X-factor pace”.
Elanga’s displays for Forest indicate Man United made a mistake letting him leave, and with Arteta in need of more attacking depth next season, the Sweden international’s versatility could make him an ideal addition to the squad.
