Arsenal: Time to pull a Granit Xhaka with Emil Forsberg

RB Leipzig appear unwilling to let Emil Forsberg go this summer, but that’s not the end of the story. Time to enact the same plan Arsenal used to score Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal and a handful of other teams have been tied to RB Leipzig star Emil Forsberg. The Swedish creator lead the entire known world in assists, and that’s a quick way to get attention from every possible corner.

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Naturally though, RB Leipzig are not too keen on letting him go. In fact, they have gone ahead and told all pursuing teams to take a one way hike up the nearest mountain.

Which isn’t resonating too well with Forsberg’s agent, which means it also isn’t resonating too well with the man himself, who is likely pining for a chance to pursue his ambitions elsewhere (let’s just assume that elsewhere means Arsenal).

Here is what Forsberg’s agent had to say, as quoted by the Metro:

"When Emil went there, the ambition was to take the team to the Bundesliga and then the Champions League. He has been involved with them all the way and broke records in their shirt. Both me and Emil have spoken to the club about his ambition, his future and his dreams. They didn’t buy him for €15m, but for €3m and he signed a new contract and paid them back ten times. They will have to live with the fact that they are destroying his dreams."

That’s some pretty heavy stuff right there. They are destroying his dreams?

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Anyway, this shouldn’t be a deterrent for the Gunners and thankfully, we have a bit of encouragement from a recent escapade that could turn into a similar situation for Forsberg.

I am speaking of Granit Xhaka. Xhaka was essentially locked up the year before he actually came to North London because Wenger was so intent on landing him that he made sure to keep tabs on him and keep in contact for an entire year.

Forsberg can be the same thing. Leipzig may almost be doing the Gunners a favor, because this summer they are pushing off all suitors. But come next summer, things may change, the Gunners may be back in the Champions League (perhaps with a trophy or two) and Forsberg can know that this dedicated manager has been determined to land him for a year.

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Forsberg wants out. Whether Leipzig want it or not, eventually, the Swede will get out. So the courtship should be beginning right now. Just like it did with Granit Xhaka.