Arsenal are hoping to land the prized signing of one of the most exciting players at the African Cup of Nations in a reboot of their youth recruitment drive.
According to reports, Mikel Arteta's side are ready to challenge Bayern Munich and Manchester United for Bazoumana Toure, the Hoffenheim winger making waves for his trickery and skills.
As a tipped Ballon d'Or contender, who could go an even win the major individual award, Toure has emerged as a player to watch heading in the summer window. The main stumbling blocks are a large contract and an even bigger price tag.
Arsenal send scouts to watch Toure
mikel arteta
It is claimed in Sports Boom that Toure is already viewed as a potential way for Arteta to lessen the load on star attacker Bukayo Saka. That is a huge statement to make for a player still only 19 years old but shows just how high he is held.
The report suggests that United and Arsenal have been watching his matches with scouts from Naplli, Real Betis, and Atletico Madrid all witnessing the AFCON magic.
Toure, described as 'one of the fastest players in Europe', scored twice from the bench for Ivory Coast in wins over Gabon and Burkina Faso. His impact was noted with the youngster already deemed ready for Premier League action.
Bayern are not said to be willing to let a Bundesliga prospect leave so easily, though, and therefore they are the most likely next destination. With a valuation of over £45million for a player only in their first full season in a top-five European league, Hoffenheim are clearly confident in his ability.
Toure has scored twice from 15 league appearances (just over 1,100 minutes) with five assists at the club. He first caught the attention when shining in Sweden with nine goals and three assists in 23 games for Hammarby.
Arteta can repeat Gabriel Martinelli success
Ivory Coast and Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana ToureUlrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
When it comes to buying young players and gradually getting them up to speed in England, Gabriel Martinelli is a brilliant example. He has gone on to prove himself more than capable at the top level and Arsenal will hope that if they get Toure, they could repeat the trick.
His contract until 2029 puts plenty of power in Hoffenheim's hands but another move for the teenager now feels like it is on the cards regardless. Arsenal have spent plenty to try and add to their attack but Leandro Trossard cannot hang around forever and Noni Madueke hasn't hit the ground running.
Toure would be a different type of signing for Arsenal, one that is a throwback to their 2021 and 2022 summers, but would also be a statement of another kind.