Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old wantaway striker, Youssoufa Moukoko.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Youssoufa Moukoko’s situation at Borussia Dortmund has taken a U-turn, as the 18-year-old striking sensation is now “determined” to leave Signal Iduna Park in the upcoming January transfer market despite signing a new long-term contract earlier this year.
The 18-year-old was once one of the biggest names in youth football, scoring goals for fun in age groups much older than him, and he initially looked set to carry over that form into first-team football.
He made his record-breaking Bundesliga debut shortly after turning 16 and soon became the youngest player to ever feature in the Champions League. He also became Germany’s youngest player ever to compete in a World Cup.
Moukoko has racked up 77 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben and found the back of the net 13 times, also recording eight assists. The Black and Yellows even handed the youngster a new long-term deal until the summer of 2026 in January of this year to fend off any outside interest.
However, Moukoko’s progression has since stalled as he has struggled to earn any meaningful game time this season. The youngster is very much a backup option at Dortmund behind the more experienced Niclas Fullkrug and Sebastien Haller, and he has only featured in 66 minutes thus far this term.
Given his talent, the fact that he is not an undisputed regular on the team has given rise to transfer rumours, with the player desperate for a change of scenery. Moukoko’s unsettled situation at Dortmund has not gone unnoticed across the continent, and several major clubs have expressed interest in signing him, including those from the Premier League.
Brentford and Wolves have been credited as potential suitors. However, Chelsea and Arsenal have emerged as more “attractive candidates” in the race for Moukoko.
Chelsea’s gung-ho approach to signing some of the world’s most promising talents under new owner Todd Boehly could lead to the Stamford Bridge side swooping in for the Dortmund star in January.
The Blues are looking forward to the winter transfer market to solve their scoring woes. Although they have made Victor Osimhen their No. 1 target, the Napoli striker is unlikely to join the team mid-season, making Moukoko a more viable option.
Similarly, Arsenal are struggling to get consistent output from their strikers, although Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and summer recruit Kai Havertz are all capable of playing the No. 9 role.
They need a natural finisher whose all-round play is also decent. They are considering several options, including Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, but Moukoko could be a focal point of the Gunners’ attack for years to come if he pitches up at the Emirates.
However, given the magnitude of Arsenal’s title charge, he is unlikely to receive much game time this season, and Moukoko’s desire for more playing time may impact his choice as he seeks a club that can provide him with more opportunities to impress.
