Arsenal are reportedly plotting a summer move for Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi. According to the Daily Record, the Norwegian’s impressive start to the season has captured the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Leicester City.
Elyounoussi’s stock has risen massively in recent seasons. The 27-year-old joined Southampton from FC Basel in 2018, but after failing to hit the ground running at St Mary’s, he was loaned out to Celtic. The winger took Scotland by storm, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 22 games in all competitions to help Celtic win the domestic treble.
His numbers improved in his second season with the Hoops as he netted 17 times and assisted eight goals in 45 appearances. He returned to St Mary’s this summer and has continued his prolific form.
Elyounoussi, who has won 37 caps for Norway, has tallied six-goal contributions in just seven appearances for the Saints this season. The Norwegian has just two years left on his current contract and would be available for a bargain price if he does not extend his contract with Southampton.
Do Arsenal need Mohamed Elyounoussi?
Arsenal have an abundance of wingers in their ranks, so a move for Elyounoussi does not make too much sense.
The Gunners have Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka, and Reiss Nelson as wide options, while the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can also be deployed on the flanks.
Elyounoussi is in no way an upgrade on either Pepe or Saka. He is unlikely to dislodge either of them from the starting lineup and will probably have to settle for a spot on the bench.
If Arsenal fail to secure European football once again next season, which is a huge possibility considering they are currently in 12th in the Premier League, Elyounoussi will find his game time limited even further.
Moreover, the Norwegian is already 27 and does not fit into Arsenal’s rebuild. All in all, a move to Arsenal is unlikely to benefit either party, and Elyounoussi would be better off searching for other options.
Arsenal, meanwhile, could use the funds to strengthen other positions next summer.