Arsenal are reportedly trying to rope in French midfielder Christopher Nkunku on loan for the rest of the season from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Sun (h/t L’Equipe) have reported that Arsenal have the PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku in their sights to be their first signing this year. The Gunners are hoping to land the Frenchman on a short-term loan for the remainder of the season, although the deal will have no option to buy.
The rumours surrounding Nkunku have come as a surprise to many as the French midfielder’s name hadn’t come up anytime prior in the transfer rumour mill.
The report claims that Unai Emery had to fall back on his previous club for midfield reinforcement, after being unable to sign Barcelona outcast Denis Suarez due to the lack of funds. Indeed, the Arsenal boss has confirmed that the North London club can only afford loan and swap deals to bolster their squad.
James Rodriguez was also on Emery’s radar to join on loan from Real Madrid, but falls under a similar category as Denis Suarez, meaning the pursuit of the Colombian will have to wait until the summer.
The deal would have the 21-year-old Christopher Nkunku join Arsenal on a loan and stay until June. The catch is that there is no clause for an option to buy the player in the summer. However, the Paris-based club must find an ideal replacement for the youngster before they sanction his loan to Arsenal.
Nkunku has shared chemistry with Matteo Guendouzi in the French national youth setup and two have gelled quite well. With the Europa League Round of 32 beckoning, the French duo can fit in the main squad for the European fixtures and give some much needed rest to Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka.
There is a strong chance that Nkunku might be open to the loan deal, as it would potentially help with his development. Emery coached the youngster for two seasons while at PSG, and is hoping to use that connection to bring him to Arsenal.
Indeed, Nkunku believes that the Arsenal boss has had a major impact on his game, having previously said, “Unai Emery taught me a lot of things, especially the need to have consistency. From a tactical point of view, to go to the end of actions, that’s how we are decisive. The closer we get to the goal, the more decisive we are.”
Arsenal need a strong midfield if they have to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive. With a shoestring budget, signing Christopher Nkunku on loan might just be their best bet, which might help the Gunners’ prospects in Europe as well.
