Arsenal and Everton are reportedly tracking Amine Gouiri over a potential summer move as the 22-year-old French striker continues to impress at Nice.
According to Calciomercato, there is a growing interest in OGC Nice forward Amine Gouiri, who is courted by Arsenal and Everton, among other clubs. The Premier League outfits are keen on landing the 22-year-old French striker, who has a contract with the Ligue 1 club until 2024.
French football experienced a drastic financial impact due to the coronavirus pandemic and their controversial TV rights saga. With the cash inflow restricted, Ligue 1 clubs have resorted to selling some of their talented players to balance their books. The Premier League has been the biggest market for these clubs to cash in, and there could be yet another case.
Nice are a team on the rise, staking a claim for UEFA Europa League qualification as they are fourth on the Ligue 1 table. They are still very much in the race to finish third, which will bring Champions League football next season. Much of their progress could be attributed to players such as Amine Gouiri.
Gouiri has had a sensational season with Nice, scoring 12 times and providing eight assists across all competitions. These are excellent numbers for the 22-year-old French striker, who continues to flourish at the Ligue 1 side. There are big clubs already circling around the forward, with a move in the summer window a likely possibility.
Everton and Arsenal are seemingly interested in a summer move for Gouiri, as Nice could accept an offer in the region of his market value, which currently stands at £45 million. The 22-year-old French striker has shown evidence he could fit into the system of those Premier League clubs, especially Arsenal.
Arsenal are looking for a more fluid forward option heading into the summer transfer window, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah possible departures from the club. The Gunners are linked with a host of names such as Darwin Nunez, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak.
All those names will cost a significant amount of money, which could be a problem as Arteta may be looking into doing deals for two strikers. Gouiri, who prefers to play centrally, can also operate down the left flank, ticking the box for the requirement of a versatile forward.
Arsenal could become the front-runners to sign the 22-year-old French striker, but Everton and AC Milan are also in the chase. In the summer, the Toffees could lose their star strikers in Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin and would need able replacements for the duo in that scenario.
With survival in the Premier League Everton’s primary objective, Frank Lampard could look to add a few quality names in the summer if they can retain their status in the top-flight. Everton certainly have the funds to make this transfer happen; they could land Gouiri with a project that suits the striker.
Also Read: Three strikers Arsenal should consider in the summer
If AC Milan, Arsenal and Everton are serious about the Nice star, a transfer battle could ensue in the summer, potentially allowing Nice to increase their asking price. However, to get full value for the 22-year-old, the Ligue 1 club will have to sell in the next window or risk accepting a lower valuation in 2023.
