Arsenal eye shock move for out of contract star

Arsenal may not yet know their fate this season as the final five games will determine the league position, but that hasn’t stopped them casting their net across Europe in search for reinforcements.

Just as with every club, both selling and buying, getting deals done early in the window allows two parties to begin working together sooner, while the third party can begin searching for a potential replacement. It rarely happens that smoothly, as Arsenal will attest to, and therefore it’s beneficial to get preliminary talks underway early if possible.

Edu has already began doing so with Gabriel Jesus‘ representatives, with Arsenal looking to bring in the versatile forward along with another attacking player who would fit the mould of a more traditional centre-forward.

Mikel Arteta’s system calls for a No. 9 who has variance to his play, whether that be dropping deep, drifting wide or frequently attacking the box. The manager wants Alexandre Lacazette without about eight additional traits on top.

Arsenal eye shock move for out of contract star Paulo Dybala as Juventus fail to agree on new contract ahead of summer window

If they can save a pretty penny then it will obviously help – hence why Jesus would be such a smart pick up – and the free agent market appears to be one they are keeping tabs on.

As per James Olley of ESPN, Arsenal have asked to be kept informed on the situation regarding Paulo Dybala, who is due to leave Juventus when his contract expires in the summer. Among the other sides in a similar position as Arsenal are Manchester United, Newcastle, La Liga sides, and fellow Serie A clubs.

Based on the profile of player the club are after in regards to age, it is certainly one of the more surprising names to be linked with a move to north London. Dybala is 28 years old, and would demand a salary in the region of £160k-per-week (this was Juventus’ original offer before they revised it).

While the Gunners are looking for a striker with extensive experience, signing someone at his age doesn’t align with the new recruitment strategy. There is a reason why Gakpo (22), David (22), Calvert-Lewin (25), Abraham (24) and Osimhen (23) are in the frame.

There is nothing formal about Arsenal’s approach since they’ve merely asked to be kept informed by Dybala’s representatives, although there is no smoke without fire. There is clearly some interest.

That said, this could be only under very extreme circumstances. If it turned out that Dybala was a boyhood Arsenal fan and willing to take a significant wage cut for a two-year deal then why not ask to be kept informed? However, that is highly unlikely.

There is no doubting Dybala’s ability. He’s played the second striker role at Juventus – among numerous others positions – exceptionally well for the vast majority of his time in Turin. What is cause for concern is the financial investment on what would be a considerable salary for someone with a concerning injury history.

Missing six games for Juventus since September alone – coming in five different spells – injuries have hampered him too much. That’s a big enough red flag as it is.