Arsenal return to former Emery target as potential midfield reinforcement

Arsenal have reignited their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.

Nkunku was linked with Arsenal back when Unai Emery was in charge of the club. Emery had worked with the youngster at his former club Paris Saint-Germain, and was keen for a reunion.

However, PSG sold Nkunku to Leipzig instead in 2019.

It has proven to be a wise move for the 22-year-old, who provided five goals and 13 assists in his first season in the Bundesliga. Only Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho made more assists in the German top flight last season.

Now, a report from Bild (via the Metro) suggests Nkunku is back on the radar of several top English clubs. The newspaper names Arsenal as one team who are keeping tabs on him.

Improving their midfield was a key task for the Gunners in the summer transfer window. They signed Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid to do just that, but failed to get a deal over the line for another target, Houssem Aouar.

The Lyon midfielder remains on the agenda, but Arsenal have now identified Nkunku as another option.

However, Leipzig have a strong negotiating position, as the player is under contract until 2024. Therefore, they have set a €40m asking price for Nkunku.

 

Move on hold until Ozil leaves?

Arsenal are unlikely to make a move for either Aouar or Nkunku until next summer, when Mesut Ozil will no longer be on the books after his contract expires.

Ozil has been left out of Arsenal’s squad for the season after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta. However, his expensive wages are still an obstacle to their hopes of bringing in other players.

The German midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, though, by which point Arsenal may be able to look at making signings.

READ MORE: Arteta told he made Arsenal mistake snubbing Ozil after Partey signing