Arsenal has been connected with a number of players ahead of the summer transfer season as they look to boost their offense.
Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Erling Haaland have all been discussed in the press, but it is still unclear who will fill the Gunners’ attacking vacant next season at the time of writing.
Former Paris Saint-Germain forward and current RB Leipzig standout Christopher Nkunku is one player who could be an outstanding choice.
This season, the Frenchman has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga club.
So far this season, he’s scored 26 goals and supplied 15 assists in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
For the first time, his thrilling performances have earned him recognition on the international stage.
Nkunku has been named in the French national team’s squad for their upcoming international matches against the Ivory Coast and South Africa, according to the French national team.
He joins on-loan Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in being called up, and he will be eager to make an impression.
While the news will undoubtedly be welcomed by the forward, it may cause some difficulties for Arsenal as they strive to secure his services.
Arsenal knows how quickly a player’s value may skyrocket after being called up to the national team.
Take, for example, Bukayo Saka, whose worth soared to £58.5 million on his England debut, a massive leap from his original £31.5 million assessment.
If Nkunku’s value rises at the same rate, Arsenal may be obliged to pay more than £70 million to keep him next season.
Of fact, Arsenal has only paid that sum once before, with Nicolas Pepe’s world-record move ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Their business strategy is based on a consistent churn of players, with outstanding youngsters entering at a young age with the understanding that the club will not stand in their way as they progress in their careers.
In recent years, Timo Werner, Naby Keita, and Diego Demme have all relocated from Leipzig, and others are planning to do the same.
Nkunku, now 24, is an excellent fit for a squad that values fresh talent and versatility. Because of Nicolas Pepe’s unclear future, a winger spot could open up, and Edu will need to find a consistent goal scorer after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure in January.
Nkunku spends the majority of his time in offensive midfield, but he’s also played as a second striker, wide midfielder, and even a center forward.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also set to depart at the end of the season, leaving plenty of room for Nkunku to flourish up front.
According to football.london, Serie A side AS Roma is also poised to re-enter the race for Granit Xhaka.
This might suggest that Arsenal needs to add more players to the center of midfield, where Nkunku would fit in perfectly.
Arsenal will have to spend far more than they would have a few years ago, according to Transfermarkt’s valuation of £49.5 million, but they know it will be for a world-class talent.