Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Arsenal are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, as per Caught Offside.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign with Leicester City in the Championship last term, scoring 12 goals and registering 14 assists. Additionally, he helped the Foxes gain promotion.
After being impressed by the Englishman’s performances at King Power Stadium, the Blues decided to hire him last summer. But, the player has found it difficult to get regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge thus far this season.
He is yet to start a game for his new club in the Premier League and has predominantly been used in the cup competitions thus far. So, speculation surrounding his future has started to emerge ahead of the January window.
Caught Offside claim that Chelsea are ready to cash-in on Dewsbury-Hall next month and Arsenal have registered their interest in securing his service.
Dewsbury-Hall to Arsenal
Apart from the North London club, Leicester City, Fulham, Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford and Manchester United are also keen on signing him by taking advantage of his current situation at the Blues. But, Arsenal are the ‘favourites’ to get the deal done.
The midfielder is valued at around £23m by Transfermarkt and still has four and a half years left in his current contract. Therefore, Chelsea are expected to demand a sizable amount of money to let him leave.
Dewsbury-Hall is a versatile midfielder as he can be deployed anywhere across the middle of the park. He is technically sound, can play threading passes between the lines and also works hard without possession.
Arsenal decided to strengthen the midfield department by signing Mikel Merino last summer. But, they will have to look to reinforce this position once again next year if Thomas Partey and Jorginho eventually leave the club at the end of this season. Both have entered the final few months of their respective contracts and aren’t close to extending their deal yet.
Dewsbury-Hall is a talented player but there is a question mark whether he would be the right player to help Arsenal achieve their lofty ambitions if he were to join. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Arteta’s side eventually opt to hire the Chelsea star next year.