Two players Arsenal could sign after Hincapie transfer including £35m Belgian star
Arsenal have had a promising summer transfer window with seven signings thus far.
They are about to complete an eighth signing after reaching an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for central defender Piero Hincapie.
The Ecuador international will join the club on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for £45 million next summer, as per David Ornstein.
The 23-year-old could be Arsenal’s final recruit before the transfer deadline, but sporting director Andrea Berta could yet spring up a surprise.
Berta is open to a market opportunity, and the Gunners could explore another possible loan deal with a buy obligation at the end of the season.
Keeping this in mind, let’s have a look at two players the club could pursue. The focus could be on signing a specialist left winger if an opportunity arises.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid
The 24-year-old was described as a top target for the Gunners earlier this summer.
It was reported that Arsenal would be his ‘absolute priority‘ if he were to move to the Premier League.
Arsenal have not made any approach thus far. Manchester City were recently touted to sign him, but the door has closed with Pep Guardiola’s decision to block Savinho’s potential move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Rodrygo made 25 goal contributions in the previous campaign at Los Blancos. Out of that tally, he managed 12 goal involvements from as many appearances from the left wing for the La Liga giants.
It is quite clear that he is more comfortable on the left wing rather than on the right. His lack of playing time under new manager Xabi Alonso could urge him to move on before the transfer window closes.
Madrid value him at £78 million, and Arsenal are unlikely to afford a permanent deal unless there is a high profile exit which is unlikely to occur. The Gunners could be open to signing him on loan with a mandatory buy clause for a lesser figure. It is left to be seen whether Madrid contemplate his exit.
Malick Fofana – Lyon
The 20-year-old has developed into one of the best young wingers in the French top flight. He accumulated 16 goal contributions during his breakthrough season with Lyon last term.
Les Gones reached a verbal agreement to sell him to Everton earlier in the summer transfer window, but the Belgian starlet turned down the proposal. He has his sights on joining a Champions League outfit.
With Lyon’s dire financial situation, they are still open to selling him for £35 million before the transfer deadline on Monday. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been named as his suitors, as per L’Equipe.
Fofana has started the new Ligue 1 season in sparkling form for Les Gones with a goal and an assist in two appearances. He has won 75 percent of his dribbles alongside 64 percent of his duels.
While Rodrygo may demand guaranteed playing time to join, Fofana could be prepared to compete for the left wing role. Arsenal could be willing to bank on his high potential with a late offer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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