Arsenal are now stepping up their interest in a £42m “monster” to strengthen a priority position, but there may be competition for his signature from Manchester United, according to a report.
Gunners planning for the summer after draw at Man Utd
Having now fallen 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race, it is becoming increasingly likely the Gunners will finish in second place for the third season on the spin.
The decision not to sign a striker during the January transfer window has been criticised, with Owen Hargreaves recently claiming Mikel Arteta’s side would be capable of winning major honours if they brought in a top forward.
“Go and get someone whose job it is to score goals. You’ve got everything else – a great goalkeeper, best defence in the league, the midfield is absolutely fantastic, you just need another one in there with Declan [Rice] and [Martin] Odegaard.
“Go and get a striker and a centre midfielder. Then you can win everything.”
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Arsenal agree £62m fee to sign “monster” 23-goal striker in summer – report
A prolific striker could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium…
However, according to a report from Spain, signing a top-level right-back is also a priority for Arsenal in the summer transfer window, and they have now stepped up their pursuit of Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.
Three Premier League clubs are said to be in hot pursuit of Dumfries, who could be one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe this summer, with Man United and Chelsea also keen.
The defender is viewed as a key target for the Gunners, and it is becoming increasingly likely he will leave the Italian club this summer, with Inter Milan looking to receive a fee of around €50m (£42m), should he choose to move on.
“Monster” Dumfries is a top attacking full-back
Should Arsenal be keen on a right-back with an attacking focus, there is every sign the Dutchman could fit the bill, given that he ranks extremely highly on a number of key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other full-backs.
|
Statistic |
Average per 90 |
|
Non-penalty goals |
0.24 (99th percentile) |
|
Shots total |
1.82 (98th percentile) |
|
Touches (Attacking penalty area) |
4.32 (99th percentile) |
The Rotterdam-born star has been lauded as a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa, while he has also received high praise for his attacking contributions from Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.
Injuries to Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have left Jurrien Timber as Arteta’s only right-back option at times this season, which indicates additional depth may be required this summer, and Dumfries’ performances in Italy suggest he could be a fantastic signing.
