Arsenal are plotting another bid to take Emil Forsberg to the Emirates in the summer after RB Leipzig rejected an offer in January.
As reported by The Sun, German football expert Raphael Honigstein has claimed that RB Leipzig blocked a move for Emil Forsberg from Arsenal in January, but the Gunners could come back with another bid in the summer.
Arsenal have had another season to forget in 2017-18, and one of their pertinent problems for the large part was the absence of a proper midfield pairing. However, an upturn in form from Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka has cooled matters to an extent, although many believe the need for an established midfielder, who could also play in the wide areas.
Emil Forsberg seems to fit the bill. Arsenal could also end up losing Wilshere and possibly Ramsey, if both the players fail to agree on new terms at the Emirates. Forsberg’s arrival could help fill some of the gap left by their potential departures.
The deal, however, would not be a simple one by any means. Leipzig’s stars, after two brilliant seasons in top-flight German football, have attracted plenty of interest from some top sides, but so far the German team have shown great resilience to hold on to their star names, notably rejecting an offer from Arsenal.
With Leipzig set to lose Naby Keita to Liverpool in the summer, Forsberg’s exit would form a dent in their ambitions for next season. The Swede has been in and out of the side this season due to a spate of injuries, making only 27 appearances across all competitions.
In his limited time on the pitch this season though, the Swede has contributed with 4 goals and 3 assists. But, more than the stats, his presence is considered more influential, and Leipzig are likely to play hardball over any possible transfer. Meanwhile, Raphael Honigstein believes Arsenal are set to lodge another bid this summer, with the player keen on a move too.
“He is still a guy who really wants to go to the Premier League. He was very upset when Arsenal’s offer was turned down straight away by Leipzig. I think (Arsenal) will come back in for him because he has got a lot of talent.”
There seems to be no specific price tag suggested, although there were rumours of Arsenal previously plotting a £20 million move for the midfielder. The German side is likely to demand more than the aforementioned figure and could look to recoup an amount closer to the £48 million they got for Keita from Liverpool.
Additionally, Forsberg is also set to feature at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, and a good performance there is likely to increase his value significantly. Among other suitors, Manchester United’s name was also in the picture previously, but that interest has cooled down in recent times.
Arsenal are reported to be on the trails of other prime targets, and Arsene Wenger will surely be hoping to conclude as many deals for international players, especially those playing at the World Cup before the tournament begins.
The interest in the midfielder could be cemented with an official bid from Arsenal or any other side. It’s hard to judge now if Forsberg would fit in the Arsenal mould, but his impressive performances over the last two seasons would suggest the player could settle into any of the top sides in England or Europe.
