Charlton star Joe Aribo is high on Arsenal’s list of potential targets, as the North London side looks to make him their first summer signing.
Arsenal will be expected to be busy in the transfer market after the season ends and the North London side are already making headway. According to The Mirror, Arsenal are poised to make Charlton’s Joe Aribo their first summer signing after being deeply impressed by the midfielder’s performances this season.
Arsenal are thought to be in the market for reinforcements in the summer and are looking for a midfielder among others. Aaron Ramsey is leaving on a free to join Juventus in the summer, and surely the club will be looking to replace him in some capacity. Aribo, however, may not be a direct replacement for the Welshman, but will surely be a quality addition to the squad.
The midfielder has been Charlton’s standout player this season, performing well from a central midfield area. The young star has been instrumental for the Addicks this season, but it’s his six goals and two assists from the center which has caught Arsenal’s eye. Arsenal are hoping he would have a similar impact to that of summer signing Matteo Guendouzi, who has flourished in the first team.
Arsenal are also looking at other options such as Milan’s Franck Kessie during the summer, as well as Ander Herrera from Manchester United. Those players are considered like-for-like replacements for the Welshman, although Aribo will be a signing they would want to make in order to improve squad depth.
The midfielder has made 26 appearances for Charlton this season and has proven he is ready for a more significant challenge. There might have been other interested parties for the midfielder, but it’s believed he would prefer a move to Unai Emery’s side.
There is the other factor of his contractual situation with Charlton. The club offered him a new deal, but much similar to the Arsenal-Ramsey situation, withdrew their contract. Instead, they proposed a new deal, only this time the money was half the sum offered earlier. Aribo was on hand to turn down the new offer and is now heading towards free agency come to the end of the season.
Despite being out of contract at the end of the season, Arsenal will be obligated to pay Charlton a small compensation fee considering the player’s current age. Overall, Arsenal will be delighted they could make a move for a player, having to pay so little.
Aribo’s performances this season have pushed Charlton towards play-off places to be in the Championship next season, especially his contributions in scoring crucial goals for the side. His displays have attracted interests from Germany and Portugal, but the London based player will likely look to stay in England.
If Arsenal are to sign Aribo, they will have their hands on one of the best talents in English football, and he has every chance of flourishing in Emery’s system. Overall, it would make a good move for the club and player, as Arsenal look to sign another player, full of promise.
