Arsenal have reportedly been joined by fellow Premier League outfit Manchester City in the summer pursuit of Strasbourg right-back Kenny Lala.
French publication Le 10 Sport have claimed that Manchester City are seemingly interested in Strasbourg defender Kenny Lala. The Sun state that the right-back is also on the radar of Arsenal, who along with City, are looking to bring the player over to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.
Kenny Lala has plied his trade in France for the entirety of his footballing career thus far. The French footballer though, gained recognition only recently at Strasbourg, a club he joined in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer. The 2018-19 campaign has seen a buoyant Lala dominate the charts in Ligue 1, with a wholesome return of 4 goals and 9 assists.
The 27-year-old also bagged his first title in the form of Coupe de la Ligue and must have his eyes set for more. Despite his contribution, Strasbourg are only placed in the mid-table and will not be able to offer European football, something that might see him make a move, especially with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City hot on his heels.
Arsenal have struggled with options in wide defence, which has seen Unai Emery field a three-man central defence. But, the wing-backs have also not been enjoying the best of times recently. The right side has just Hector Bellerin as an able option, with Emery having to field Ainsley Maitland-Niles whenever needed.
For Manchester City, it is a simple case of finding someone to act as a rotation option for Kyle Walker while also being able to push the English international and increase the competition for places on the right side of the back four. The report states that no contact has been made by City with either the club or the player’s camp.
According to the report, Lala could be available for as little as €10 million, which could explain why Arsenal are interested in the 27-year-old. Emery will likely have to make do with a stringent transfer budget again and will be looking to land Lala, who will be a bargain for the aforementioned price and allow the Arsenal manager to get in players at other positions as well.
With Strasbourg set to be unable to offer European football, Kenny Lala is likely to call time on his brief yet successful spell at the Ligue 1 club. The 27-year-old will now be aiming for more trophies and a better platform to showcase his skills. Whether it’s Arsenal or Manchester City or perhaps some other club, it seems like the Premier League beckons for the aggressive right-back.
