Arsenal are back in the market for a winger this summer and it seems that they may move for a player with a similar name to their last world class winger, Alexis Sanchez.
This Alexis is not playing for Manchester United, but in fact the second tier of French football currently, but judging by both Alexis Sanchez and Alexis Claude-Maurice’s 2018/19 season, it’s Claude-Maurice that would probably be the better signing, especially when you consider he is just 21.
Standing at 5ft 9’, the versatile winger who can also play more centrally, scored 14 goals in Ligue 2 last season. This form has alerted many clubs around Europe including Arsenal and West Ham. Whilst he’s not the most exciting, big name that could join the club this summer, he could prove to be a shrewd addition.
It wasn’t long ago that Arsenal did business with Lorient, signing Matteo Guendouzi for £8million just a year ago.
But the Gunners will probably have to pay a little more for his former teammate Claude-Maurice.Reports suggest that the Gunners have already had a bid of little over £6million turned down and now the London club are ready to return with a much improved bid, believed to be around £11.5million, in an effort to beat the likes of AS Monaco, Lille, Mainz, Frankfurt and Gladbach to his signing.
The versatile forward is well known for his acceleration and speed, as well as his agility and balance in his dribbling. These are certainly attributes that Arsenal’s attack currently lack, so for such a small fee, this looks like a relatively low risk signing. Should a move materialise then interest in Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser may cool.
Considering the club have a limited budget, Claude-Maurice could be the clubs only wide arrival this summer, especially when you consider Reiss Nelson will be back from loan and is likely to be involved in the first team setup.
Arsenal are also believed to be looking at signing two players from Sampdoria, with Dennis Praet and Joachim Andersen possibly set to reunite with Lucas Torreira from next season.