Arsenal have reportedly been told to fork out €50 million to secure the services of Nabil Fekir, viewed as an alternative to Martin Odegaard.
According to a report by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Arsenal seem to have zeroed in on Nabil Fekir to be the desired alternative for Martin Odegaard in the summer transfer window. The north London giants, though, will need to pay the big bucks to land the Frenchman, who has a €50 million price tag.
Fekir arrived at Real Betis from Lyon in the summer of 2019 in what was a surprise move, one year after his failed transfer to Liverpool. Nonetheless, the switch to Estadio Benito Villamarin has been the right step in the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s career, who has established himself as a pivotal figure for Los Verdiblancos.
Most recently, Fekir was on target against Celta Vigo in a goal that has helped Real Betis secure a place in the UEFA Europa League next season. That strike was his fifth of the season in La Liga, in addition to six assists in 33 appearances in the league. However, Fekir’s future at Real Betis is not really certain, with Arsenal keeping a keen eye on the developments.
Arsenal’s interest in Fekir makes a great deal of sense, considering they have an urgent need to sign a creative midfielder in the summer transfer window. While their priority would be to secure the services of Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal, the Gunners are having to identify potential alternatives for the Norwegian playmaker.
So, while Emile Smith Rowe is set to be a long-term option for Mikel Arteta, another playmaker will hardly hurt. To that end, Arsenal have also been linked with Emiliano Buendia, with Fekir a viable target as well for the Premier League heavyweights.
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Arsenal now also know how much they will have to pay in order to secure the services of the 27-year-old French international. Real Betis has slapped a price tag worth €50 million on the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and Arsenal are considering a swoop.
What now remains to be seen is if it really is out of Arsenal’s hands to land Odegaard from Real Madrid on a permanent basis. If that is the case, we could well see the Gunners make a move for Fekir, although it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to meet his €50 million valuation.
