FC Midtjylland are waiting for Arsenal to make their move to sign long-standing target Dario Osorio, who has been dubbed ‘the next Alexis Sanchez’.
The Gunners registered an interest in Osorio last summer and, while a deal did not materialise, the 22-year-old winger enjoyed another impressive season for the Danish side, producing eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
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In a wide-ranging interview, FC Midtjylland technical director Kristian Kjaer exclusively told Standard Sport that Arsenal are among a number of Premier League clubs with interest in the Chilean winger, who can play across both flanks and has been tipped to make a big impact in English football.
“We know that Arsenal have been looking into Osorio, but we also know other clubs in the Premier League have done the same,” Kjaer revealed.
“I also think it is well known that Bournemouth looked into him historically. There are other clubs in the Premier League also looking into him.
“In my opinion, he serves the Premier League very, very good because he has a hard-working mentality. His defensive transition runs are amazing, his top speed is amazing. Left-footed right winger can go to the right and to the left of his direct opponent.
“He has the full package, seen as the next Alexis Sanchez in Chile. I can see him making a difference in the Premier League.”
Osorio is hotly tipped to make the move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues and has previously had interest from Liverpool.
Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard potentially leaving the club, and Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is of significant interest this summer.
And Kjaer believes Arsenal’s title win might have altered their targets.
He continued: “Arsenal as the champions. I think that might also rock their boat a bit and see how we can keep this position for next season. I don't know. We will see where it all ends up.”
Midtjylland have a history of developing young talent to sell on to Europe’s top five leagues, and Kjaer does not shy away from that truth. He says it is simply part of the club’s transfer model.
“I think what we are good at is to have an eye for identifying potential that fits Midtjylland's style of play,” Kjaer continued.
“We believe we will [also have players who] fit the top four leagues in the world because that is also our dream. And our idea is to sell players to the biggest leagues, especially also the Premier League.”
If Man City pay a historic amount of money for Anderson, what will the price range then be for other players?
Kristian Kjaer
Franculino Dju, picked up on a free transfer from Benfica’s Under-23s three years ago, is another example of the pathway Midtjylland provide and after a stellar campaign in front of goal, the 21-year-old is also expected to leave for big money this summer.
Kjaer admits they have already fielded interest from German giants Bayern Munich, while it is Standard Sport’s understanding that a number of clubs from the Premier League and abroad are also ready to enter the market for the Guinea-Bissau international.
“We had initial talks, not in January but last summer,” Kjaer said. “It is well known that Bayern Munich were reaching out.
“We also had historic offers from a club from the Middle East and then inquiries from the Premier League clubs. I think now most of the clubs will look into his pre-season, and then we will see what will happen in August with him.”
Kjaer says the World Cup has not put any negotiations on pause, and they are in direct talks with clubs regarding Osorio and Danish-born Turkish international Aral Samsir.
He did, however, admit that Midtjylland would wait to see how the market pans out, with big-money deals such as Elliot Anderson’s protracted move to Manchester City set to dictate how other clubs price up their players.
Kjaer said: “What happens to Anderson in Manchester City? If they will pay a lot of money, a historic amount of money, what will the price range then be for the players?
“I think that influences the process right now, what will happen between Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Anderson.”
