Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Red Bull Salzburg’s Zambian midfielder Enock Mwepu as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad.
According to a report from The Gooner Fanzine, Premier League giants Arsenal are interested in Red Bull Salzburg midfield mainstay Enock Mwepu as they look to strengthen their midfield department.
23-year-old Mwepu started out at Napsa Stars in his homeland Zambia and spent time at Kafue Celtic before moving to Europe in the summer of 2017 when he joined Austrian side Liefering. A year later, the central midfielder was snapped up by Red Bull Salzburg.
After a decent debut campaign, Mwepu established himself as a mainstay in Jesse Marsch’s side last season, producing impressive numbers of five goals and seven assists from 36 games in all competitions from central midfield.
The 23-year-old has carried on in the same vein of form this term as well, racking up three goals and four assists in 21 matches. Mwepu’s performances, especially in the European competitions, where he impressed against Liverpool last term, have seemingly seen him pop up on the radars of Arsenal.
Arsenal are looking to bolster their midfield in the ongoing transfer window as marquee summer signing Thomas Partey has endured an injury-riddled start to life in London. In addition, Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka have blown hot and cold over the course of the campaign while Dani Ceballos, who is on loan from Real Madrid, faces an uncertain future.
This has seen Arsenal get linked with several midfielders, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma, who is said to be open to a January transfer to the Emirates. However, the Gunners are keeping their options open and have narrowed down on Mwepu as a cheaper alternative.
Mwepu’s former coach at Kafue Celtic, Lee Kawanu, in an interview with First Time Finish, likened him to former Manchester City superstar Yaya Toure. “I told Enock that he can become the next Yaya Toure. Of course he is going to be his own Enock but in terms of achievement I feel that he can get to the levels of Yaya Toure,” he said.
Considering that Mwepu can play as a No.6 or as a No.8, the Zambian international will provide greater squad depth to manager Mikel Arteta. And even though his contract with RB Salzburg runs till the summer of 2024, Arsenal are confident that they can get their man for a transfer fee of around £12 million.
It, however, remains to be seen if Arsenal do launch a move for the 23-year-old in the ongoing transfer window or decide to wait till the summer.
