Arsenal are reportedly set to leapfrog Newcastle United in the pursuit of 31-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
According to Daily Telegraph, Arsenal are in pole position to sign Georginio Wijnaldum in January. The 31-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star is looking to return to the Premier League after a difficult start to life in Ligue 1. He has been approached by his former club Newcastle United, but it appears the midfielder favours a move to London.
It should serve as welcome news for Arsenal, who were recently handed a major blow in the pursuit of top target Arthur Melo. Although the Brazilian is prepared to join the north Londoners in January, Juventus are unlikely to sanction a sale unless the Gunners offer Thomas Partey in return.
The likely collapse of the Arthur deal has forced Mikel Arteta to set his sights on alternatives, with Wijnaldum emerging as an ideal candidate. The Dutch midfielder has endured a difficult start to his PSG career so far, scoring just one goal in 18 appearances while producing a slew of bad performances in Ligue 1.
However, his struggles at Parc des Princes have not deterred the Gunners, who are well aware of his talents and the experience he brings to the table. With over 200 Premier League and Eredivisie appearances, coupled with the experience of winning the Premier League and Champions League titles, the 31-year-old does indeed have a strong pedigree at the highest level of football.
Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder who can accompany Thomas Partey during the second half of the campaign. Wijnaldum, to that end, fits the bill well given his experience and winning mentality that could prove to be invaluable to Mikel Arteta’s unit, especially as they look to finish inside the top four.
Wijnaldum’s potential move to Arsenal could serve as a major blow for Newcastle United, though. As iterated earlier, the Dutchman is not too keen on returning to St. James’ Park, most likely due to the club’s poor position in the league and the possibility of relegation at the end of the season.
As for Arsenal, it remains to be seen whether they can negotiate a deal with PSG surrounding a January swoop for the former Liverpool ace. Les Parisiens are likely to demand a handsome figure, having only signed the midfielder in the summer, but Mauricio Pochettino certainly does not have too many reasons to keep hold of the 31-year-old Dutchman.