Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on talented Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso with a view to a summer transfer.
That’s according to French newspaper L’Equipe (via James Cambridge of Daily Express), which stated scouts from the Emirates Stadium have been watching Tolisso in Ligue 1 action over the course of the 2015/16 campaign.
The Gunners recently eased fans’ midfield worries with the acquisition of highly rated Swiss star Granit Xhaka, but there’s still work to be done in the heart of the Arsenal ranks.
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Yet is the 21-year-old Tolisso the man to give Arsene Wenger’s men their bite back? Well, he certainly has the credentials of a top Premier League star.
He’s strong, quick and direct with an impeccable eye for a pass, plus he’s versatile.
Here’s a look at what Tolisso could bring to the party at the Emirates:
However, Arsenal face stiff competition for the Frenchman’s signature, as Serie A giants Napoli are also reportedly interested.
In fact, L'Equipe (h/t Calciomercato) revealed Napoli launched a €16 million bid for Tolisso’s services, although it was subsequently turned down by Lyon.
Arsenal can certainly afford to match the Ligue 1 side’s demands, and Cambridge wrote Tolisso would prefer a move to north London.
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All that’s left for Wenger to do is lay his cards on the table and give Lyon an offer they can’t refuse.
It’s a new striker supporters are really craving this summer, though, and Arsenal could turn to one of England’s finest for a solution.
As per Stuart James of the Guardian, the Gunners have triggeredLeicester City frontman Jamie Vardy’s release clause, believed to be around £20 million, and John Cross of Daily Mirror reported Arsenal are hoping to get the deal across the line before Monday.
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Vardy scored 24 goals and created six more during the Foxes’ historic Premier League title-winning campaign of 2015/16, per WhoScored.com, with his pace and expert finishing striking fear into defences across the country.
And Cross wrote that formal negotiations have begun, with Vardy looking to land a four-year deal worth £120,000 per week—double his current salary.
Back in May, the England international seemingly had no intention of leaving Leicester, telling Sky Sports News HQ he’s happy in the east Midlands:
Arsenal didn’t exactly have the best 2015/16 campaign despite finishing second, but Wenger’s ruthlessness already in the transfer window shows he’s ready to go one better next time around.
A new striker and midfield reinforcements will give the Frenchman the platform on which to build, and Vardy and Tolisso are undoubtedly two excellent options.
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