Arsenal have been admirers of the Ismaila Sarr, although Leicester City are ready to challenge the Londoners for the Rennes winger.
Arsenal’s summer plans are thought to be underway as the club are expected to be busy in the window. One of their targets, Ismaila Sarr won’t come easy as according to The Sun, Leicester City, are about to challenge the Gunners when the transfer window re-opens. Unai Emery is known to want a wide man in his side for next season.
Ismaila Sarr’s name has popped on more than one occasion, with speculation rife when Arsenal played Rennes in March during the Europa League knockout rounds. The Gunners are thought to be very much interested in the Senegal International winger after his performances this season.
Sarr has scored 12 goals and contributed 11 assists throughout the season, earning praises and interest alike from many clubs in not just England, but the European elite leagues. Leicester City are the latest side to show an interest and have reportedly enquired his availability with Rennes. The report states that a source close to Rennes have confirmed a firm approach from the Foxes, but Arsenal’s response should be crucial.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery is seriously looking for a wide player and Sarr certainly seems to fit the bill. Sarr’s performances against Arsenal also became a huge factor for those watching him and certainly boosted his chances to sign for Arsenal. Sarr certainly has the quality to play for a side like Arsenal and Emery seems to be impressed by his displays this season.
Arsenal need wide players as they suffered somewhat this season due to a lack of players who can take up such positions. Danny Welbeck’s departure leaves them short on players who are direct in their approach and can contribute from either wing. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played for most parts in those places, but Emery is looking at natural options.
Emery feels Sarr can come into the side to inject more speed in attack. Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan did decently in those positions but were mostly inconsistent with their contributions. Aubameyang, however, was the best among Arsenal’s wide men, although he played half the games as a centre forward. It looks like Emery would want a three-man attack up front with Sarr.
Brendan Rodgers at Leicester presides over his first summer at the club. He too sees Sarr as a player who could add quality in their attack. Rennes is asking for £25 million for the winger and Leicester might be in an excellent position to pay such fees. Demarai Gray and Marc Albrighton have played on the wings, although Rodgers remains unconvinced by the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho.
Sarr could be a handy edition for the Foxes, and add further threat to their already strong attack that includes Jamie Vardy and James Maddison primarily. Leicester have reportedly acted on their interest, but it remains to be seen if Sarr would be interested towards them.
Arsenal needs to act fast and secure the signing as soon as possible. There is one possibility of a bidding war, or if they act late, he might join someone among other interested sides. Sarr could undoubtedly be a good fit for Emery and Arsenal, with his quality a definite upgrade for the Gunners in the wide positions.
