Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Guingamp star Marcus Thuram, son of former Barcelona man Lillian Thuram.
According to an exclusive report from TeamTalk, Arsenal are interested in Marcus Thuram. The Guingamp star is the son of former Barcelona and Liverpool player Lillian Thuram and is also being tailed by Newcastle United among several other European clubs.
Marcus Thuram is a product of the FC Sochaux academy setup. But, his true rise started when he joined Guingamp in the summer of 2017. While the forward was a regular from the get-go, he took a while to settle in, which is reflected in his numbers in what was his maiden season in Ligue 1.
The ensuing campaign though, has seen the forward shine for Guingamp. Played variedly on the left and as a centre-forward, Thuram has dazzled on the field, with 10 goals and an assist to show for his efforts in 20 games thus far.
Son of former Barcelona and Liverpool superstar Lillian Thuram, Marcus was always on the radar of top teams. But, his 2018-19 campaign has seen several clubs take serious note of his talent and progression in Ligue 1. Among them are Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Unai Emery lacks natural wingers in his squad, which has taken quite a toll on the overall playing style. Arsenal have struggled to make the entire length of the pitch count, with the club having to rely on their full-backs to generate width in the attacking buildup.
Another barrier in their search for natural wingers is the absence of a budget, which has seen them fail to convince Gelson Martins to join while their pursuit of Ivan Perisic has hit a roadblock as well, with Inter Milan demanding immediate cash instead of a loan with an obligation or option to buy.
The tight purse could hamper their pursuit of Thuram as well. But, according to the report, Arsenal are well aware of the interest the forward’s form has been able to generate. With Newcastle, Brighton & Hove Albion, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, Watford, Southampton and Everton all taking a keen look at young Marcus, Arsenal have decided to amp up their pursuit of the 21-year-old.
It is a bit unrealistic to assume Guingamp will be generous enough to let Marcus Thuram depart on a six-month loan with the money being generated only in the summer, if they do decide to negotiate with Arsenal. They are bottom of Ligue 1 and are unlikely to be willing to even think of the notion of Thuram’s departure at this juncture.
As far as Thuram’s personal preference is concerned, while the player could show loyalty and vow to support Guingamp in their battle for survival in Ligue 1, serious interest from a club of Arsenal’s stature is not something to just ignore, especially with his current team one of the favourites to be relegated.
An opportunity worth considering for young Marcus.
