Arsenal could land Paris Saint-Germain star Christopher Nkunku for €15 million in this window as their waiting game pays dividends.
Arsenal, at times, have been notoriously stringent and cautious with the transfer targets, especially during Arsene Wenger’s reign. They looked like their old self when pursuing Paris Saint-Germain’s Christopher Nkunku, playing a careful, yet dangerous game of waiting. However, according to L’Equipe, Arsenal could sign the midfielder on the cheap as PSG are only demanding only €15 million
€15 million could represent a reasonable amount for Arsenal to sign Nkunku considering the paltry £45 million they have for the entire summer. The total transfer budget could increase substantially with player sales, but given the need to recruit quality players as well as replace some departed talents, it surely is a meagre sum.
Nkunku has been on Unai Emery’s radar for quite some time. The Spanish manager was heavily considering signing the young midfielder from his old club PSG in the winter window. As both clubs failed in negotiating a deal, Arsenal seemingly were ready to wait till the summer before signing the player.
The major stumbling block in January was the price tag placed by PSG on Nkunku. The French Champions were demanding £25 million from the Gunners, while Arsenal wanted only a loan deal with the option to purchase in the summer, something PSG refused to adhere. However, as things stand, Nkunku has seemingly refused to extend his stay beyond 2020, when his deal expires, so he is made available.
PSG reportedly want at least €15 million for the young midfielder, and this figure is well under the budget of Arsenal. The Gunners might certainly welcome Nkunku in their ranks given the ill-fated half-season January loan signing Denis Suarez endured. Arsenal declined the chance to sign Suarez permanently after his season was ended prematurely by a groin injury.
Nkunku hence, could be an upgrade to the Spaniard. The Frenchman could also be capable of adding a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield since Aaron Ramsey has now left the club. Emery should be able to convince the Arsenal board to sanction a deal for the PSG man and strengthen his side for next season.
Due to Nkunku’s availability on a cut-price deal could also mean Arsenal may not be the only suitors for the player. The likes of RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in the Frenchman, while there is a suggestion that Nkunku looking to leave PSG could be down to the playing time he might get next season at the French Capital. His choice of a new club could also come down to his chances of first-team football.
Arsenal might be able to offer him that chance and so could Leipzig. But as things stand, Arsenal already have plenty of first-choice midfielders, and Nkunku could understandably play only a secondary role. Although going by his willingness shown in January, Nkunku could still prefer a move to North London, which certainly is good news for Arsenal and their plans for the summer.
