**Arsenal could face a strengthened Coventry City attack on Friday night, with Frank Lampard’s side reportedly closing in on a £20.5million deal for highly-rated striker Sidiki Cherif.**
Mikel Arteta’s champions begin their Premier League title defence against the newly-promoted Sky Blues at the Emirates Stadium, only five days after [beating Manchester City 3-0 to lift the Community Shield](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/16/arsenal-3-0-man-city-gunners-lift-community-shield-in-statement-win/).
Coventry are using the final days before that fixture to strengthen.
The Guardian reports that the Sky Blues are **set to complete a £20.5m move for Cherif from Fenerbahçe**, having already added Taiwo Awoniyi to Lampard’s attacking options.
Cherif is only 19 but is already regarded as a significant attacking prospect.
The Guinea-born forward came through Angers before moving to Fenerbahçe, initially on loan in February. Turkish Football Federation records show he is now contracted to the Istanbul club until June 2030.
He can operate through the middle and provides Coventry with another physical option alongside Awoniyi. The Guardian claims Fenerbahçe are prepared to make a quick profit despite only completing Cherif’s permanent signing this summer.
Whether the teenager would be registered and ready to feature against Arsenal remains to be seen.
But the potential arrival gives Arteta another opponent to consider as he prepares a defence already missing William Saliba.
Arsenal should nevertheless arrive with confidence after overwhelming Manchester City in Cardiff.
Kai Havertz strengthened his claim to lead the line by scoring in that victory, with [Christos Tzolis helping create Arsenal’s second goal](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/16/watch-kai-havertz-doubles-arsenal-lead-as-tzolis-torments-man-city/).
Friday presents a very different challenge.
Coventry are expected to spend long periods defending at the Emirates, but adding another £20.5m striker alongside Awoniyi would give Lampard greater ammunition for transitions and counter-attacks.
Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites to begin their title defence with three points.
Coventry, however, appear determined to ensure their Premier League return is considerably more ambitious than simply trying to survive.