Arsenal have been urged to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old is around halfway through his season-long loan spell with German club Bayer Leverkusen, scoring once and assisting another in 18 appearances. After struggling to cement a space in the Chelsea first-team, the promising winger is finally getting the playing time he needs to develop his game.
Despite Todd Boehly telling Hudson-Odoi last summer he has a long-term future at the club, the Blues have since brought in a number of attackers. After more than £250million was splashed in the summer, an additional £270million was spent in the January transfer window with attacking reinforcements Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke all joining the Blues.
READ MORE: Graham Potter sent subtle Raheem Sterling instruction despite £270m Chelsea spending spree
Hudson-Odoi will have just 12 months remaining on his contract when his loan in Germany ends, and Chelsea may see it as the perfect opportunity to cash in on the Cobham graduate. Arsenal, who are on a title charge this season, could be in the market for a forward and former winger David Bentley believes the Gunners should put in a cheeky bid.
Bentley told Bitcoin Casino: "It depends the level they would be going in for him at – if they are going in at a good price then yes – the player has talent, he’s young and if he can slot into the Arsenal way and environment then he’s certainly a player that could be a great fit for them.
"He’s very talented but maybe just found himself in a difficult position at Chelsea with a lot of players coming in and different managers, which sometimes is not a great environment for a young player to be developing in.
"If he can settle down at a club like Arsenal, with the full support of the club, then he’s certainly a player – if they can get him at the right price – then he could end up being a great buy for Arsenal."
football.london understands West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is Arsenal's priority target this summer, while Leicester City star Youri Tielemans is still being monitored. While signing a winger may not be an immediate priority following the £21million signing of Leandro Trossard in January, Hudson-Odoi would certainly add further quality in depth.
He would also potentially allow Gabriel Martinelli to move into a new role. football.london understands that Mikel Arteta has previously used Martinelli as a striker in training, and the Brazilian even starred in the role during the 2019/20 season against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, scoring a brace in an end-to-end 5-5 clash. He played so well in this match that he was endorsed by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who described the 21-year-old as being an “incredible striker.”
Edu has shown in the past he is not afraid to act should an opportunity present itself and Hudson-Odoi's situation at Stamford Bridge may just be one to watch.
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