Arsenal could reportedly make a move for Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin when the transfer window reopens later this month.
The 23-year-old has had a promising debut season at Newcastle, after making his move from Nice last year.
Le10 Sport have now reported that the Gunners are one of the clubs interested in signing Saint-Maximin, with Italian side Napoli also interested.
The report says that there is a possibility that the Frenchman’s representatives could have already spoken to Arsenal as well.
In 22 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League this season, Saint-Maximin has scored three goals and assisted four times. He still has five years remaining on his contract having signed a six-year deal when he joined them last summer.
Allan Saint-Maximin – The x-factor Arsenal need?
Saint-Maximin has been an exciting player to watch for Newcastle United this season, and has been one of the few bright spots for the Magpies in an otherwise dull season.
Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The 23-year-old winger, who has primarily played on the left side, has been unpredictable with his dribbling and pace, and has caused problems with his aforementioned abilities.
The Frenchman has done well for a player who is in his debut season in the Premier League. He’s not a player who is afraid to take on defenders to try and create something from nothing. The stats prove that, considering he has averaged a whopping 4.6 dribbles per game for Newcastle in the league this season.
Saint-Maximin also likes to take shots on goal after cutting in from wide areas, averaging 1.8 shots per game.
The winger could be a good addition to the Arsenal side, a club who could benefit from the Frenchman’s raw pace and drive in the final third.
The future of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract. The Gunners will not want to let him leave on a free transfer next season, but if he does, they will need a replacement to fill in for him on the left flank.
Saint-Maximin is young, promising, and has shown that he has the skills and technique to flourish, despite playing in a lackadaisical Newcastle United team.
Even if Aubameyang stays, signing the Newcastle winger would make sense. The Arsenal forward can finally be moved to his natural position up top, thereby adding more balance a more natural look to the attack.
Stats via Whoscored