Arsenal are now gearing up their pursuit of a new left-back, as we approach the end of the World Cup.
Christos Tzolis and Morgan Rogers are among the most watched, and both may arrive at the Emirates Stadium before the transfer window closes.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who said: “One of the names mentioned internally, and Arsenal are in contact with his agent, is Christos Tzolis, who is a midfielder from Brugge.
“Morgan Rogers remains the focus of a different movement.”
Rogers’ departure may have to wait until after the World Cup, as the Aston Villa star represents the Three Lions, who will face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.
England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time to reach this stage of the competition, with Jude Bellingham bagging a brace, and the Gunners are now set to move one of Erling Haaland’s teammates.
Arsenal are ready to make a bid for the Norwegian star
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are ready to make a bid for RB Leipzig star Antonio Nusa, with a €40m (£34m) transfer fee.
However, the German club would like to keep hold of their left-back, meaning it would take around €60m (£51m) to tempt him into a sale.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Arsenal need to sign a new left-back this summer, following the departure of Leandro Trossard from Besiktas. With Villa wanting around £130m for Rogers, Nusa could be brought in as a cheap alternative. |
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Finance |
RB Leipzig may be willing to agree to a move of around £51m, which would make the Norwegian more expensive than Rogers, who will become the most expensive player in Premier League history at £130m. |
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Understanding |
However, unlike the Villa striker, the Leipzig man has no experience in the Premier League. Last season, he scored four goals and three assists in 31 Bundesliga games. |
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Impact |
The 21-year-old could be signed in place of Trossard, who has officially joined Besiktas, or in place of Tzolis, who the Gunners have recently pushed to sign. |
Why Antonio Nusa would be a better signing than Tzolis
Rogers should probably continue to be a target for Arsenal, as he has already proven himself in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in the competition last season.
That said, the Norwegian may be a better signing than Tzolis, given that he is only 21, while the Club Brugge star is 24, and has failed to score in 14 Premier League games for Norwich City.
The Greek forward has yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, and Mikel Arteta’s side should be wary of signing him based on a record 43 goals and 45 assists in 108 games for Club Brugge.
On the other hand, Nusa has been called “incredibly exciting” by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, and caught the eye at the World Cup, scoring in a 2-1 round of 32 win over Ivory Coast.
