Arsenal might have made considerable ground in their pursuit of French youngster, Alexis Claude-Maurice.
According to SoccerLink, the winger has expressed an interest to sign for the Gunners over the likes of Olympique Lyon, West Ham United, AS Monaco and LOSC Lille. He plies his trade for Matteo Guendouzi’s former club, Lorient FC in the French second division and the Arsenal midfielder might have played a hand in convincing Claude-Maurice.
Arsenal have already seen a bid worth £8m turned down for the 21-year-old and are planning to come back with an improved offer of £11.5m. The Hammers are proving to be hard competitors for the rising youngster.
Claude-Maurice registered 14 goals in the Ligue 2 this season while also showcasing his wide range of skills with the ball. He is highly versatile on the attacking front and can a do bit of everything. His most obvious talents lie in his acceleration and his ability to dribble past defenders.
Arsenal need an assertive wide man like the Frenchman to complete their attacking lineup. Unai Emery seemed to have unearthed a gem when he signed Matteo Guendouzi out of nowhere last summer.
Now, the Spanish boss to willing to go back to the same scouting spot for another forthcoming talent. With all transfer targets hitting a dead end, this might be Arsenal’s best chance at restrengthening the wing positions.
However, the biggest hindering fact in this transfer would Arsenal’s emerging youth talents – Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith-Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Xavier Amaechi. All are vying for a spot in the senior team next season and it might not sit well with the board if another youngster is brought in in their place.
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