Arsenal are expected to show ambition and plan a club-record bid for Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga this summer.
The Gunners are on their way to ending a special season with empty hands. For much of the campaign, Mikel Arteta's men looked set to win the club's first Premier League title in 19 years, but the loss of composure in April coincided with a rivalry between the two. is Manchester City in serious trouble.
It now takes City's unusual demise at the 'commercial end' of the season for Arsenal to lead Pep Guardiola's men to the title.
Naturally, the Gunners are now eyeing the summer as they look to add enough depth and quality to their squad to challenge City at the top of the Premier League next season. Advertisement
One name frequently linked is West Ham's Declan Rice - one of world football's most complete midfielders, yet a player who can command exorbitant transfer fees.
Indeed, it was reported on Monday that the Hammers would seek a £130m fee from Jude Bellingham for the 24-year-old.
Given that Rice can command such a large chunk of Arsenal's transfer budget, it may be appropriate for the club to turn their attention elsewhere.
Arsenal should pay for Camavinga
Advertisement
Another midfielder Arsenal could focus on is Camavinga.
Of course, Real may not be willing to sell one of their brightest young players. And yes - the France international will also demand a hefty transfer fee.
But Bellingham's expected arrival at Real this summer, coupled with the club's reported expansion of contacts with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, could jeopardize their chances of playing in the preferred midfield position. Liked by Camavinga.
Advertisement
Furthermore, Camavinga, four years younger than Rice, would likely be a cheaper option than the England international, with Transfermarkt having valued the Los Blancos midfielder at £52m.
Given his potential, of course, the player will cost significantly more, and possibly more than the club-record £72m Arsenal paid Nicolas Pepe in 2019 - but less. List price of Rice.
Camavinga to cover two positions
Camavinga could be the solution to Arteta's two difficult positions. First, Arsenal are looking for a midfielder to partner with Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey and there are few players in Europe who are calmer and have better technique than Camavinga.
Advertisement
Also, with Kieran Tierney set to leave at the end of the campaign, the Gunners are likely to look for another left-back. As the full-back of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Camavinga is one of the best options imaginable.
Against Manchester City on Tuesday, the interim full-back had the most throw-ins, won the most duels and created the most chances of any player on the pitch. Camavinga also assisted Vinicius Jr in the first half. Is 'Arsenal should sign Camavinga' a good kick? Maybe not. As Los Blancos legend Claude Makelele told Marca earlier this week, Camavinga is a "footballer with a great future". Any team wants a player as talented as the French player.
However, given Arsenal are said to have explored the possibility of signing Camavinga on loan in January, perhaps this summer the club should show great ambition and look to sign the player on a permanent basis. This.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0