Arsenal are keeping tabs on Brais Mendez, although any move for the €50 million-rated Spanish international will have to wait.
According to Fichajes, Brais Mendez has emerged as a target for Arsenal, who may end up making an approach in the January transfer window. The Spanish international, valued at €50 million by Real Sociedad, joined the club in the summer. And the Basque outfit may show reluctance to part ways so soon.
Brais Mendez was unfortunate to miss the cut in Luis Enrique’s World Cup squad despite some brilliant performances since the start of the season. Ten goals and seven assists in all competitions were not enough for the midfielder to get into the Spanish squad. But there will be chances if he keeps up his levels.
Having joined Real Sociedad in the summer for €14 million from Celta Vigo, the midfielder is already attracting considerable interest. In the previous window, Real Madrid had eyeballs on the Spaniard before he moved to the Reale Arena.
Arsenal are reportedly looking at the Spanish international, valued at €50 million by Real Sociedad. Mikel Arteta reportedly likes Mendez’s profile for his team, as he may fit the current requirement at the Emirates. The Gunners’ boss has remained in the market for a left-footed central midfielder for quite some time, albeit without real success.
Mendez has shown the ability to make the difference in the final third, something Arteta may want from his left-sided no.8. Granit Xhaka has played the role admirably this season. But the Arsenal manager would want intense competition for places in the Swiss midfielder’s position.
Youri Tielemans is their preferred target for the role. But Arsenal may have to wait until the summer before getting their hands on the Belgian playmaker. Arteta is currently seeking players that would improve the squad and help the Gunners in their title push.
With Tielemans unlikely to move, Arteta may feel the need to bring a new midfielder in January and could push to sign Mendez. However, Real Sociedad are reportedly reluctant to part ways with the 26-year-old and have set a massive valuation of €50 million for the Spaniard.
They will only entertain offers close to that sum, which Arsenal are unlikely to pay. After that, the two clubs could start a dialogue to understand where a prospective transfer may stand. For now, any sudden move may seem unlikely. But things might move along as the window progresses.
