Arsenal have reportedly put Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on their transfer radar.
Dembele had another fine season with the French club, and with Lyon affected financially due to the pandemic, they will be willing to listen to offers for Dembele after the transfer window reopens.
As per L’Equipe, the Gunners have spoken to Dembele’s representatives over a possible move to the Emirates.
The 23-year-old has been pursued by several clubs, including Manchester United. Dembele has scored 42 goals in the last two seasons for Lyon, and had an even more impressive record at his previous club Celtic, where he scored 51 goals in 94 games.
The Frenchman still has three years remaining on his current contract with Lyon.
Moussa Dembele to Arsenal – A smashing move by Arteta?
Arsenal’s forward line for the 2020-21 season is uncertain as both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (h/t Express) have been linked with moves away from the Emirates.
If the Gunners do lose one or both their experienced forwards, they will have to make a big purchase in the summer to replace them.
Dembele is an exciting forward who has scored goals wherever he has played. The Frenchman has past experience of playing in England as he played three seasons for Fulham, having joined the club as a 16-year-old.
The forward is a quick player with impeccable finishing ability, and the awareness to make the right runs in behind the opposition defence.
Dembele has the knack of finding space and putting away the ball into the back of the net on a consistent basis. He would be an upgrade on compatriot Alexandre Lacazette, who has looked out of sorts for the past 12 months.
He would also be a younger option for manager Mikel Arteta, and the French forward could be one of many young players that Arteta uses to rebuild this Arsenal side.
The Frenchman’s dribbling, pace, and awareness could make the Gunners a potent counter-attacking side, which already has quick players like Nicolas Pepe and Aubameyang.
Arsenal should sign Dembele, who has shown great maturity wherever he has played, despite his young age. And most importantly, he has scored plentiful, consistently.