Arsenal have reportedly tabled an offer to try and secure the services of 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Nabil Fekir from Real Betis this summer.
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, Premier League giants Arsenal have taken the first step in their bid to land Nabil Fekir from La Liga club Real Betis by tabling an offer for the 27-year-old.
Fekir has been with Real Betis since 2019, having signed from Ligue 1 bigwigs Olympique Lyon. In two years with the Spanish outfit, the French attacking midfielder has racked up 71 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 13 assists. While he has been some way off from his best levels, the 27-year-old has still managed to grow into an influential member for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Fekir did not have the best of the seasons in 2020/21 but his stock still remains high as the versatile midfielder has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, while Arsenal have also shown an interest in securing his services before the next season kicks off.
Arsenal endured a torrid 2020/21 campaign and will not be playing any form of European football next season. One of the major problems for Mikel Arteta last season was the lack of a creative force in the final third following the exile of Mesut Ozil. That was addressed to a large extent in January with the loan signing of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid and the integration of academy product Emile Smith Rowe.
However, Odegaard is back at his parent club and even though Arsenal remain intent on signing him permanently, they will likely have to shell out a massive transfer fee for the Norwegian international. AC Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, who will be available on a free transfer with his contract expiring later this month, is another player that the Gunners are considering while Fekir is another player on the club’s radar.
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In fact, the aforementioned report is claiming that Arsenal have already made an offer to Real Betis in order to sign the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner. However, the said bid is nowhere near close to what the La Liga outfit are seeking for their star man, as Pellegrini is hopeful of holding on to the Frenchman and build his side around him.
What now remains to be seen is whether Arsenal return with an improved offer for Fekir or decide to explore other possibilities. But, it goes without saying that a new creative midfielder is a necessary signing for Arteta this summer.
