Arsenal are reportedly tracking the progress of 27-year-old Southampton attacker Mohamed Elyounoussi, who has made a strong start to the new season.
According to a report by Daily Record, the decision makers at Arsenal have been left impressed by Mohamed Elyounoussi’s form in the early stages of the season. The Gunners are now considering a cut-price move for the 27-year-old Southampton attacker, who is also being tailed by Leicester City.
Mohamed Elyounoussi was regarded as an exciting signing when he joined Southampton from FC Basel in the summer of 2018. However, in his maiden campaign in the Premier League, the player failed to live up to his billing and was subsequently loaned out to Celtic, where he eventually spent two successive seasons after having his stay extended last year.
Having been an impressive performer for the Scottish giants, the 27-year-old was given another chance to make an impression at St. Mary’s at the onset of the new season, and he has done just that. In seven matches across all competitions, Elyounoussi has a tally of four goals and two assists to show for his efforts. Such a strong start to the season has now alerted Arsenal.
Arsenal concentrated their rebuilding efforts in the summer transfer window towards bolstering their defence and midfield, with Martin Odegaard the only player who added any creativity. However, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah appearing set to depart the Emirates as free agents next summer, the Premier League giants will need to enter the market for an attacker.
While conventional wisdom would suggest Arsenal will sign a striker, they could do with a wide attacking option as well. That is because Folarin Balogun is touted for a bright future and could continue getting eased into the thick of the action till the time comes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to be phased out.
In addition, Gabriel Martinelli is also an option to play upfront, although the Brazilian is unhappy over being on the periphery of the first-team. Arsenal have indeed been linked with a few wide attackers of late, with Noa Lang being one of their key targets. And Elyounoussi is a viable target as well for the Gunners.
In addition, Leicester City, who have also been linked with several wingers like Arsenal target Yeremi Pino, are also battling their Premier League rivals for the 27-year-old. Both the clubs are eyeing a cut-price move for Elyounoussi, who is set to enter the final 18 months of his contract with Southampton in January.
Having said that, it might not be a surprise to see the Saints handing a new deal to the Norwegian attacker if his form continues. In such a scenario, Arsenal and Leicester will have to pay a premium to land Elyounoussi and it remains to be seen how this transfer story develops in the coming weeks and months.
