Arsenal face transfer battle for English striker

Arsenal are facing a potential battle on their hands this summer as interest hots up for Milwall’s exciting young striker Abdul Abdulmalik, who is ready to leave the club this summer ahead of signing his first professional contract.

Per Mertesacker is currently undergoing huge changes to Arsenal’s youth squads with multiple incomings and outgoings as well as a change of direction with Under-23 boss Steve Bould being sacked following the Gunners’ narrow escape from Premier League 2 relegation.

A 2-2 draw on the final day of the season spared Arsenal’s blushes in a disappointing campaign, and just like with the senior squad, there is set to be a big overhaul.

Up to nine of the Under-23 squad are set for loan moves this summer, including star striker Nikolaj Moller who only joined from Malmo FF in October last year. The Swede is highly thought of at the club but his departure will leave a hole at centre-forward that will need filling, which is where the pursuit of Abdul Abdulmalik comes in.

Arsenal face transfer battle for English striker Abdul Abdulmalik with Swansea and Rangers keen on signing the Millwall youngster

The English striker enjoyed an impressive 2020/21 campaign for the Lions, establishing himself as a regular for the club’s Under-23’s while also finding a rich vein of form with the Under-18’s side in the FA Youth Cup, scoring four times in six matches en route to the third round.

As reported by the Daily Mail’s Adrian Kajumba, Swansea have already had a bid rejected for the 18-year-old this summer, one that was deemed ‘derisory’.

But growing interest has seen Arsenal and Rangers being linked with a move and if Abdulmalik signs a professional contract elsewhere without a deal being agreed with the Lions, the club could be in line for a sizeable compensation.

Abdulmalik’s contract expires in one month and while Millwall have offered him his first professional terms, a move elsewhere is of interest.

Likened to Jermain Defoe for his playing style, if Abdulmalik moves the move north of the Thames it would be the beginning of what is expected to be another big summer of activity for the Gunners, who already signed a host of players in the previous windows and need a serious injection of quality.