Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer as Mikel Arteta widens his search for a new attacker.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal could plot a move for Allan Saint-Maximin this summer to bolster their attack. Mikel Arteta wants a new wide attacker to join in, with several other players mentioned as potential targets. The Newcastle United star could end his stay at St. James’ Park following the current season.
Allan Saint-Maximin remains a top player for Newcastle United. But since Eddie Howe’s arrival, he has seen his regular place in the team shunted. The Frenchman continues to get regular minutes but not as an automatic starter.
He has been consistently selected by Howe until his latest injury owing to a lack of firepower on the left-hand side of the attack. That is also why Newcastle United spent big on Anthony Gordon in January, a move Saint-Maximin was reportedly displeased about.
Newcastle United are reportedly open to entertaining offers for the attacker with a €35 million market value. The Frenchman has a contract until 2026, which could let the Magpies extract the best value possible from suitors.
They will look for the best money for the 26-year-old, particularly if direct rivals like Arsenal come into the picture. Mikel Arteta continues to search for a new wide attacker to add to the squad. He has options in Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard but wants another one to improve the quality.
This season, Martinelli has exclusively played most games on the left, which raises the issue of over-reliance on one player. Considering Arsenal will play in the Champions League, the depth in every department seems imperative.
Saint-Maximin is one of the top talents in the Premier League and will certainly help add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack. Arteta also has eyes on Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. But in the end, any transfer will come down to the money needed to sign a player.
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Saint-Maximin could cost far less than Diaby if the duo were to become the final shortlisted targets. For now, Arsenal will look to keep tabs on the Newcastle attacker and make a decision in the summer. However, things will also depend on Newcastle’s openness to sell a player to their direct rivals.
Why? Arsenal have both Matinelli and Trossard on the left, with Smith Rowe also available. Even if leaves, as is mooted, there is no where for him to play unless Artetsa plans to move both smith Rowe and Trossard on in the summer. On the right, Saka plays something like 90% of available minutes, meaning Saint Maximin would be luchy to get grass in his boots a half-dozen times all season.