Arsenal continue to be in the market to add more firepower to Mikel Arteta’s options in the final third this summer. Kai Havertz has already been signed for £65million from Chelsea, though the Gunners aren’t resting on their laurels.
Declan Rice (£105million) and Jurrien Timber (£38million) have taken the summer spending to over £200million, supplementing the club’s ambitions to compete at the top of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Despite the arrival of the three, more business could follow before the window shuts at the start of September. By then, the Gunners will be three games into their Premier League schedule.
Various reports have emerged over the past few weeks suggesting a new centre-back, attacking playmaker and striker remain on Arteta’s shortlist. A number of players have been linked including Ajax and Ghana starlet Mohammed Kudus.
The 22-year-old has attracted sincere interest from around Europe after impressing in the Eredivisie last season. However, Ajax are expected to demand well over £40million for the playmaker, a fee that could present a stumbling block with his contract due to expire in 2025.
As Arsenal have become accustomed to doing, alternatives will have been drawn up by the recruitment team and one player who could be the perfect fit is Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.
According to 90min, the Gunners are one of three clubs monitoring the France Under-21s international’s situation at Selhurst Park. Having been a £8.3million signing from Reading in 2021, Olise has become one of the Premier League best young players and has now attracted interest from Chelsea and Man City, also.
Riyad Mahrez’s imminent move to Saudi Arabia means Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new right-sided midfielder, while Chelsea continue to be in the market for attacking reinforcements. According to RMC Sport, the Blues have made an offer worth just under Olise’s reported £35million release clause, with a broad agreement already in place with the player.
At £35million, Olise would prove to be smart business by Arsenal. Alongside already showcasing his ability to perform at the top level, the Frenchman has bags of potential to fulfil.
Of course, Olise has previously been linked with a move to north London. football.london reported in October that a bid of £35million would be enough to acquire his services.
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