David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal have looked at PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani in the past, with the forward likely to make a January move on loan.
DORTMUND, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 12: Randal Kolo Muani of France runs with the ball during the international friendly match between Germany and France at Signal Iduna Park on September 12, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
PSG 26-year-old forward Randal Kolo Muani looks likely to be on the move in the January transfer window, having scored two goals in 14 appearances for his current club so far this season.
Kolo Muani started the season well, scoring two goals in three games for PSG before going on international duty and scoring another in a Nations League game for France in September.
But since then, he’s only netted twice more, and both times were for his country. As it stands, he’s not even making the squad for his club.
PARIS, FRANCE: Randal Kolo Muani of France warms up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Israel at on November 14, 2024. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
With the January window fast approaching, Kolo Muani’s name is one being talked about for a move.
David Ornstein tells The Athletic Football Podcast that a loan is likely, and that Arsenal have considered the player in the past. But he emphasises that there’s nothing to suggest the Gunners are currently making efforts to sign the player.
“The early links are to clubs such as Monaco, so we’re going to be clear on that,” Ornstein began. “In the case of Arsenal, they have considered him among their longlists. I’m not saying he was down to shortlists, in the past, [but] he was discussed as were many other names before he went to PSG.
“I’m sure they would have looked at him, and I don’t know of any pursuit on this occasion. You never know, and I’m not saying this is happening at Arsenal, but January is largely a reactive market.
“If an opportunity arises for a low-cost loan for six months and a club such as Arsenal feel they’ve got the space, they’ve got the need, he’s the right playing profile or offers a different option to what they already have, and has the right character… then, okay, let’s have a conversation about this.
“That hasn’t happened with Arsenal to my knowledge, but I do think he’s one that stands a very good chance of moving.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Arsenal might be more likely to make a reactive January loan move right now, in the wake of injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
Sterling was brought in as cover for Saka, so to lose them both in the space of a couple of days puts pressure on the squad.
Mikel Arteta still has options, as we saw with Gabriel Martinelli’s strong performance on the right on Saturday. Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard are all capable of playing on the right as well.
But a move for a player like Kolo Muani certainly looks a lot more likely now than it did on Thursday.
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