Arsenal and RB Leipzig are battling for Chelsea’s Kenedy alongside other big clubs across Europe as the race for the Brazilian winger set to pick up the heat.
Arsenal have been reportedly interested in the services of Chelsea’s Brazilian winger Kenedy and could be ready to discuss a move in the summer window. Goal.com is now reporting a possible interest in the Brazilian from Bundesliga high-flyers RB Leipzig, and the German side could battle Arsenal and other big European clubs for his signature.
The interest in Kenedy has been on the rise since his impressive loan spell at Newcastle in the second half of the season, with the winger scoring two goals and assisting another two during his 13 Premier League appearances.
Bayern Munich and PSG are also said to be interested in the winger, although it is understood he may not get to play as much as he desires to take his career forward. At Newcastle, he instantly became a fan favourite as well as a trusted player for Rafa Benitez, but the same kind of game time is unlikely at any of the big clubs.
Arsenal’s interest surfaces after Unai Emery’s appointment and the need for reinforcement to rebuild the squad. Kenedy is being considered widely to play in the left-back or wing-back position, and Arsenal’s current options are an ageing Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac.
Leipzig are interested in Kenedy and want him to replace Emil Forsberg, who incidentally is also a target for Arsenal and other clubs across Europe. With Arsenal also looking at players at different positions, they feel Kenedy could improve their current squad as well as add quality depth to side.
There is no transfer fee suggested for Kenedy as yet, but considering the current market and with over two years left on his current deal, Chelsea will surely want a hefty profit on the £6 million they paid for him in 2015. But a transfer of the player entirely depends first on the Blues agreeing to make him available in the summer.
His situation at Stamford Bridge is quite puzzling too. Kenedy has only featured 27 times since signing for the Blues, while he featured heavily during his loan term at Newcastle. Chelsea manager Antonio Conte does not seem to have Kenedy in his plans, and while the Italian could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, the winger could then evaluate his future at the club before deciding to leave.
Marcos Alonso is the preferred option on the left side for Chelsea and the new January signing Emerson Palmieri all but ended Kenedy’s chances at the club during the season, and thus opted to go to Newcastle on a temporary switch. As both look set to continue in their positions, the Brazilian could choose to leave Chelsea for better game time to improve his prospects.
Hisdisplays at Newcastle also interested Rafa Benitez so much as to consider signing him permanently, but with financial uncertainties at the club he is sure Kenedy could become unaffordable. Arsenal and Leipzig’s interests are natural considering the quality of his performances since January, and if he is to be made available, there sure is going to be a battle for his services.
