Arsenal are now showing strong interest in signing an "explosive winger", who has been in impressive form this season.
Gunners keen on signing new winger
Mikel Arteta has indicated he could be willing to enter the market for some new signings in the upcoming transfer window, saying earlier this month: "I mean, we always have to be prepared. The moment that we have an option to touch the squad, to improve the squad or to protect the squad, depending on what happens, we need to be open for it.
"So, we don’t know but we’re certainly going to be alert and we know where the risk can come in terms of the squad and be ready just in case we have to do something."
That is despite the fact his side remain in a strong position to compete on all fronts this season, currently sitting top of both the Premier League and the Champions League group phase.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match
Gabriel Martinelli has been on fire in Europe, scoring five goals in five outings, while Leandro Trossard has impressed in the league, contributing four goals and three assists in 13 appearances.
However, Arsenal are now showing strong interest in signing another winger, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have been conducting initial background checks on Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure.
A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for Toure, off the back of his impressive first half of the season, with Manchester United, Brentford and Newcastle United also named as potential suitors.
The German club are reluctant to sanction a departure in the January transfer window, but a move is more plausible next summer, at which point a deal is expected to amount to around €45m (£39m).
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The Gunners are chasing a rising star...
"Explosive" Toure could be exciting addition for Arsenal
With Martinelli and Trossard already on the books, signing the Hoffenheim star may not be necessary unless one of Arteta's current options departs, but there are indications the Ivorian could be an exciting addition to the squad.
Since joining Hoffenheim from Hammarby, the 19-year-old has established himself as a key player, contributing two goals and eight assists in 29 appearances for the Bundesliga side.
When providing an overview of the left-winger's key strengths, scout Jacek Kulig lauded him as an "explosive winger", with good pace, acceleration, dribbling and agility.
Not only that, but the teenager, who is represented by the same agency as Ethan Nwaneri, is strong in the air, averaging 1.86 aerials won per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 95th percentile, compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.
With Martinelli and Trossard impressing, a move for Toure in January wouldn't make much sense, but should Arteta reshuffle his squad next summer, Toure could be a fantastic long-term addition.