Premier League heavyweights Arsenal have reportedly enquired about 21-year-old Belgian attacker Johan Bakayoko, although talks are yet to begin.
According to reputed Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink, Johan Bakayoko is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window. And they have submitted an enquiry for the Belgian international, although talks to sign the young winger from PSV Eindhoven are yet to begin.
The rise of Johan Bakayoko at PSV Eindhoven
Johan Bakayoko has established himself as one of the best wingers in the Eredivisie since joining PSV Eindhoven from Anderlecht in July 2019. A native of Overijse, he spent most of his formative years in Belgium, passing through the academies at Tempo Overijse, OH Leuven, Club Brugge, KV Mechelen, and Anderlecht.
However, the 21-year-old graduated from the youth division at PSV Eindhoven before making his first-team bow in February 2022. Since then, Bakayoko has gone from strength to strength and enjoyed an exceptional 2023/24 campaign, contributing to 28 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net 14 times and providing 14 assists.
Meanwhile, Johan Bakayoko’s progress at PSV Eindhoven has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, particularly from the Premier League. The Belgian international attacker’s next destination might be London, with Arsenal vying for his signature.
London calling?
Arsenal’s interest in Johan Bakayoko is understandable. Mikel Arteta wants the first-team squad to have two top-notch options for every position. So, the Gunners are scouring the market for a versatile wide attacker to alternate with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli (or even usurp the latter).
Bakayoko has thus emerged as a viable target, with Arsenal ready to step up the interest in him. The Gunners have already submitted an enquiry for the 21-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger, although talks with the newly-crowned Eredivisie champions are yet to begin.
It will be interesting to see if Bakayoko becomes the top target for Arsenal to bolster the offensive department in the summer transfer window. However, the talks must kick-start for the North London club to sign the Belgian international.
