With just over a week remaining in the transfer market, teams are frantically trying to strengthen their squads before the window slams shut. While Arsenal do not need to panic buy after seeing success earlier in the market, more acquisitions are still needed.
The midfield and wide positions are two areas that need addressing. It seems that Edu is focusing on a winger as a priority as the Gunners are reportedly in discussions to sign Pedro Neto.
However, with this deal looking extremely difficult to complete it is important that alternatives are explored. Ismaila Sarr would be an ideal backup option to Neto, and his availability should put Edu on red alert to potentially secure a deal.
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According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal’s current transfer priority is to sign Neto. The Gunners have reportedly been in discussions for over a month to try and complete a deal. However, the report goes on to say that Wolves are not open to selling him and Arsenal are not willing to pay over the odds.
Mikel Arteta is thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the window slams shut, and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn't been any movement since suggests that the chance to secure the Brazilian's services was too good to ignore.
Despite that possible explanation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Edu already has his sights set on another winger, but Arsenal's silent approach is making it difficult to get clarity over who it could be. Arsenal have been linked with a 'mystery winger', which according to Romano, remains a position Edu and Mikel Arteta want to address.
Sarr would be an excellent alternative to Neto, especially considering that Arteta had reportedly held an interest in the Senegal international in 2020, according to The Mirror.
His former coach, Mady Toure, has also explained why Arsenal should make a move for him by comparing his potential success to Sadio Mane's at Liverpool. "I said Sadio would blow up in England, and I can tell you that Ismaila will do the same. He will even win a Ballon d'Or too," he told the Guardian.
"He is fast, powerful, and now that he has his bearings … and it's only his first season, you will see how he gets better and progresses. I think he is well set to become one of the best players in England and the world."
Sarr has played 92 matches for Watford ever since his move in 2019. He has gone to score 28 goals and provided 25 assists. He would be an excellent coup for the Gunners, and it is certainly a deal that Edu should look to explore.
Arsenal would have to move fast to complete a potential deal however, as according to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Leeds were close to an agreement with Watford to sign him before a deal broke down. The Senegalese international has been on form for the Hornets, which was highlighted by his wonderful goal against West Brom last week. The same outlet had also reported that Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace and Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa also held an interest in the winger with a move that was likely to cost £25million via Sky Sports.
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