Arsenal told imperious Prem midfielder is ‘perfect’ Arteta signing as £40m raid on rivals gathers momentum
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has been told that a move for a talented Premier League midfielder will be an ideal signing for Arsenal if they can get a deal done for his reported £40m valuation.
The Gunners are gearing up for another crucial encounter later on Sunday as they bid to nudge a step closer towards the Premier League title. Indeed, a win at West Ham can help Arsenal restore a six-point lead at the summit – and the gap could even widen to nine points on Friday if they get the better of Southampton.
A title success would be rich reward for a brilliant season for Arsenal, who have made rapid strides under Arteta. And with a return to the Champions League soon likely to be confirmed, plans for a major summer spree will soon gather pace.
To that end, the Gunners are looking to further strengthen their midfield with Declan Rice a firm target.
But Arteta is also looking for additional quality options and Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claimed a move for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise is also in their sights.
The 21-year-old star is enjoying an excellent season with the Eagles and is really finding his feet. Indeed, he managed a hat-trick of assists last weekend as Palace romped to a 5-1 win at Leeds.
That takes the France U21 star’s tally to eight so far this season – while he also has two goals to his name.
That form has, understandably, seen Olise emerge as a target for clubs higher up the food chain.
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Arteta told why Olise is ideal signing for Arsenal
Understandably, Palace will not want to part with Olise on the cheap. And reports indicate they could hold out for as much as £40m for their £8m capture from Reading.
Despite the lofty valuation, Gabriel Agbonlahor is adamant Olise has what it takes to succed at Arsenal.
And he sees the creative star as the ideal deputy for Gunners golden boy Bukayo Saka.
Speaking to Football Insider, he has revealed exactly why he thinks Olise has what is takes to shine for Arsenal.
“I think he’d fit perfectly into that Arsenal side,” he said.
“He’d be a great backup for Saka. Hopefully, Arsenal’s top players don’t get injured. But if Saka did, they don’t have a replacement on that right-hand side.
“I think Olise would be a great signing. But it just depends on what kind of fee Crystal Palace would ask for in the summer window.”
Palace, however, will not want to lose Olise this summer, particularly with Wilfried Zaha looking increasingly likely to depart. The winger, out of contract in July, is likely to head to a Champions League giant as a free agent.
