Arsenal humbled over £40m transfer with classy forward to reject Arteta in favour of London rival
An Arsenal transfer to the tune of £40m has gone up in smoke, with the Gunners poised to be rejected by a winger who would’ve lightened the load on Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been nothing short of sensational once again this season, though there are signs he’s beginning to slow down as the season reaches it’s most important point.
Saka’s levels noticeably dipped down the stretch last term and Mikel Arteta cannot afford a repeat this time around. Unfortunately for the Gunners, Saka was among Arsenal’s most ineffective performers during the costly 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
However, when push came to shove, Arteta opted to keep Saka on the pitch until the final whistle. It was another show of faith in the homegrown ace, though on this occasion there were no late heroics.
Arsenal’s primary back-up to Saka is Reiss Nelson. However, despite his memorable last-minute winner against Bournemouth, Nelson has featured just five times in the league this season.
Injuries have played a major role in limiting his impact, though even if fit, it’s unlikely he’d have displaced Saka on more than a handful of extra occasions.
Nelson is also out of contract at season’s end and will have options from within the Premier League if discussions over a new contract don’t bear fruit. Aston Villa and Brighton are both keeping abreast of Nelson’s situation.
How strongly Arsenal push for a new deal could hinge on if they sign a Nelson upgrade who can deputise for Saka more often without sacrificing as much quality.
To that end, Football Transfers reported Arsenal were sizing up a £40m move for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
The France Under-21 international has dazzled on the right wing this term and is building a reputation for being a potent provider of assists.
He’s racked up eight in the current campaign in a team that struggles to finish their chances. Had he a reliable goalscorer leading the line like Gabriel Jesus for example, his tally would be far greater. Regardless, Olise did memorably bag a hattrick of assists in the recent 5-1 thumping of Leeds Utd.
Outspoken pundit Gabby Agbonlahor later labelled Olise a “perfect” addition to Arteta’s right flank. However, according to the Sun, Olise will not be moving across London just yet.
Olise to Arsenal must wait at least one more year
The newspaper acknowledge Arsenal’s interest in the player, though note Olise ‘plans to stay’ at Crystal Palace next season.
The 21-year-old hopes to improve his consistency and he stands the greatest chance of achieving that aim if playing regularly.
He’s a guaranteed starter at Selhurst Park, though would be relegated to a back-up – albeit a high class one – at the Emirates.
Olise reportedly wants ‘another full season’ at the club who plucked him from Reading for just £8.37m in 2021. Reading between the lines, that would suggest Arsenal may stand a better chance of securing a move in 2024.
As such, and despite Arsenal’s superb season this year, they’re primed to miss out on signing Olise in 2023.
