Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on ahead of Champions League final vs Paris St Germain
Arsenal have been contacted about potentially hijacking Paris Saint-Germain's move to sign Ajax star Mika Godts this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners have had a strong summer window so far, bringing in Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis so far, while a move for Bruno Guimaraes is reported to have been agreed with Newcastle for around £77m.
But Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a new left-sided forward alongside Tzolis, with Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Jr understood to be the top target. The Brazilian is open to a move to the Emirates if he can't find an agreement with the Spanish giants on a contract extension, and that has seen Arsenal keep their options open in case they need an alternative.
Arsenal Offered Godts Hijack Option
mika godts
Fabrizio Romano has reported that PSG have opened talks with Ajax over a deal to sign Belgium international Mika Godts.
Godts enjoyed a spectacular breakthrough season in the Eredivisie, registering 'superstar' numbers of 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances for the Dutch side. That has seen a number of top European clubs pay close attention to his situation, and Arsenal are among the clubs who asked to be kept informed of any developments.
Ajax are understood to be demanding €60m (£51m) to allow the youngster to depart the Johan Cruyff ArenA, and the player has already agreed to join the European champions should an agreement be found.
However, it has now emerged that the player's entourage have contacted Arsenal to let them know of the situation, and give them the opportunity to enter the race.
Arsenal are currently prioritising a move for Vinicius Jr, but should that fall away and Godts is still on the table, then it's possible they could look to hijack the deal. The club have maintained contact with those involved, and they continue to watch the situation for any changes before the deadline on September 1st.
Godts a Classic Arsenal Signing
REUTERS
When the opportunity to sign a superstar like Vinicius Jr arises, then any serious club would show an interest and make it a priority. Arsenal are doing that, but they also know that Real Madrid hold all the cards and could renew his deal at any point.
It's smart for the Premier League champions to have alternative options in their back pocket, and Godts is the type of signing that the Gunners have made for years. A super-talented young player, ready to explode at the top level, and he would be able to make an immediate impact on the team, too.
PSG know his quality, hence making a big push to get a deal done ahead of other interested parties, but it's not done until it's done, and Arsenal will be keeping a close eye just in case.