Arsenal want £17.2m Prem reject as replacement for departing Willian

Cengiz Under, massive daft bird mascots

Arsenal are making plans to replace Willian this summer – and are reportedly ready to battle two European giants in the race to sign departing Leicester winger Cengiz Under as his replacement.

The Turkey forward joined the Foxes on a season’s loan from Roma last summer. He though has struggled to make the impact expected, having started just once in the Premier League all season. In total, he has made 19 appearances for Leicester, scoring twice and having three assists.

And while Leicester have the option to turn his loan into a permanent deal, they are set to waive that chance and send him back to Italy.

That is reflected by the fact that Under has not even made Leicester’s bench in a Premier League game since late February.

However, he could soon find a route back to the Premier League. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Under has no future at Roma and will be allowed to leave for a fee of £17.2m. 

And the Italian outlet claim that price has drawn in three suitors in Arsenal, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Turkish side Trabzonspor have also recently been mentioned as having an interest in Under.

Of the trio, TMW claims it is Arsenal who are the most serious. They strongly looked at Under last summer before deciding to spend their money elsewhere.

One of the reasons why they opted against moving for Under was due to their capture of Willian. The Brazilian though has failed to have the impact expected of him at Arsenal and now looks poised to move on himself.

The Gunners look set for wholesale changes this summer and have already confirmed the exit of David Luiz. And while Mikel Arteta has denied that Willian could leave, he has been linked with a move to Inter Miami.

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“We signed a player with an incredible talent,” Arteta said of Willian. “This season has been difficult. I take full responsibility because I have to be the one getting the best out of him.

“Every player who is under contract is likely to be here with us next season.”

But as one of Arsenal’s highest earners, it’s reported the Gunners are willing to move the former Chelsea man on if a buyer emerges.


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Under has failed to impress Rodgers

Leicester are already making plans to replace Under and reportedly have a Marseille man in their sights.

And it seems Under will have no future at the King Power after failing to impress Brendan Rodgers.

He gave an insight into his role at the club earlier in the season.

Cengiz Under, James Maddison, Caglar Soyuncu Leicester January 2021

“He is adapting to how we play,” added the manager. “Cengiz has to work harder but it’s something that he’s working very hard on and he’s got great power and a great left foot. It was a great finish and great technique.”

However, it seems the Foxes won’t be taking up that option.

But he could yet land another chance to impress in the Premier League should Arsenal follow up on that initial interest.

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