Arsenal are poised to pursue a new midfielder during the ongoing transfer window.
The Gunners are currently well-equipped in the midfield department, but they are still aiming to add more quality to their ranks ahead of next season.
Arsenal have earmarked Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes as a prime target and view him as a perfect partner as well as a back-up for Declan Rice.
However, a deal appears a distant possibility at the moment. Newcastle value him at a staggering £100 million, which is £40m more than what Arsenal plan to offer.
With the significant difference in valuations, the Gunners need to make a quick decision one way or the other to avoid a transfer saga. We believe they should move on to an alternative.
In our view, Arsenal should turn their attention to Roma midfielder Manu Kone, who has emerged as a top target for Manchester United and Liverpool in recent days.
The Frenchman had a brilliant World Cup campaign in North America, and the Giallorossi have reportedly informed the Premier League duo that he will cost at least £51m.
Roma have been handed a new UEFA Financial Fair Play deadline of July 31, and there is a possibility the Serie A giants could negotiate a lower fee before the month ends.
We feel Arsenal should step up their pursuit of Kone, who is a solid ball-playing midfielder. He has also dazzled with his defensive contributions for club and country.
The 25-year-old completed an impressive 90 percent of his passes in Serie A last term, while winning five duels and two tackles per game. He made almost five recoveries on average.
Kone can operate as a holding or central midfielder. He has his sights on a Premier League move, and it has been reported that Arsenal would be his preferred destination.
Hence, Arsenal should have the upper hand over United and Liverpool in the player’s pursuit. Kone would be a good acquisition at £51m or less, as he is just in his prime at 25.
Stats from Sofascore