Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Real Madrid outcast Luka Jovic. According to Daily Star, the Gunners are lining up a loan move for the Serbian striker in January with an option to buy.
Jovic burst onto the scene during his spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old scored 27 goals and provided seven assists in 48 appearances for the club in all competitions in the 2018-19 season, helping them finish seventh in Bundesliga and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The Serb’s displays earned him a dream move to Real Madrid, but he has failed to find his feet in Spain.
Jovic has scored just twice in 38 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions and has served primarily as a backup to Karim Benzema. The former Benfica forward does not feature in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans going forward and the club are keen on recouping as much of the €60 million they spent on him in 2019.
According to the report, Real Madrid are willing to accept just €25 million for the highly-rated frontman, who has four years left on his current contract.
Would Luka Jovic be a good option for Arsenal?
Arsenal have lacked a consistent goal threat in the last couple of seasons. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have looked extremely solid at the back but have struggled for a regular source of goals.
Arsenal scored the fewest goals among top-nine teams in the Premier League last season (55) and their attacking woes have carried into the current campaign, with the north London club netting just 12 times in their first 10 league games.
Alexandre Lacazette, who is in the final year of his contract, is expected to be sold either in January or for free next summer. Luka Jovic could be an ideal replacement for the Frenchman.
The Serbian was prolific during his time in the Bundesliga and if he can recapture that form, he will be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League as well. The 23-year-old, meanwhile, needs a change of scenery to resurrect his stalling career and a move to Arsenal would be ideal.
A penalty box poacher whose excellent positioning and finishing are his primary attributes, Jovic would add a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s attack. The Serb is quick and can test defences with clever runs in behind. He also has great aerial ability and will offer a physical threat that Arsenal lack at the moment. Jovic is also versatile and can play in a front-two or as a lone striker.
If Arsenal manage to land the Serbian in the January window, it will undoubtedly boost their chances of a top-four finish this season.
