Arsenal have been linked to a lot of new players since their dismal defeat against Chelsea in the Europa League final.
So far though, nobody has arrived. But that may be about to change, with reports from SoccerLink, a French source, suggesting that Alexis Claude-Maurice wants to join Arsenal ahead of lots of other potential suitors including West Ham, Lyon, AS Monaco, and Lille.
Despite all that interest, Arsenal is the players first choice according to this report and that puts them in a great negotiating position.
Earlier this week we brought you the news that Arsenal were set to increase their bid to £11.5million for Alexis, a player they have already had an £8million bid turned down for.
The versatile forward is well known for his acceleration and speed, as well as his agility and balance in his dribbling. His 14 goals in Ligue 2 last season is what has attracted all these clubs to signing him. Still just 21, there’s plenty of room to continue improving for Alexis.
It’s clear that Unai Emery is keen to strengthen his wide options this summer, with a deal for Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco also thought to be close.
Carrasco is capable of playing as a left wing-back but is best as a more advanced left winger. In the current Chinese season he has netted 7 times in 10 games.
Alexis is even more versatile, able to play as a left or right winger, an attacking midfielder or even a striker. This versatility would enable him to have a good chance of featuring in the Arsenal first team next season considering Emery loves to tweak the formation and personnel.
Alexis only has to look at Matteo Guendouzi’s involvement this season to see that Emery is not scared to regularly use a player that hasn’t previously had much top level experience.