Arsenal will need to strengthen in the wing positions in the summer depending on Nicolas Pepe’s transfer decision. If the Gunners are to sign a winger then the next Sadio Mane could be the way forward for Mikel Arteta.
According to Sky Sports, Watford are willing to sell Ismaila Sarr in the summer. But to secure his services a buyer must be prepared to offer at least £40m.
Sarr has shown himself to be one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League over recent seasons. If Arsenal want to strengthen in the wide areas, then Sarr would certainly be the correct acquisition.
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It would have seemed bizarre for Arsenal to be on the hunt for a winger because the Gunners already have wingers at the club who are a potent threat for Arteta in Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the depth in this position could be a major problem due to the potential departure of Pepe
The Ivorian’s future is uncertain at the club as the winger wants to leave Arsenal this summer and has instructed his agent to find him a new club, football.london understands. The winger has two years left on his deal and found the game time given to him by Arteta extremely limited during the previous campaign which has likely led to his desire for a way out of the club.
The Ivorian joined the club in 2019 for a club-record fee of £72m from Lille with the highest of expectations due to his success in Ligue 1, but has only contributed with 27 goals and 17 assists.
According to Spanish news outlet Superdeporte, Sevilla have also made contact with Arsenal over the signing of Pepe. The report goes on to say that the Gunners are prepared to let him leave.
Sarr would be an excellent replacement for Pepe, especially considering that Arteta had reportedly held an interest in the Senegal international in 2020, according to the Mirror.
His former coach, Mady Toure, has also explained why Arsenal should make a move for him by comparing his potential success to Liverpool’s Mane. “I said Sadio would blow up in England and I can tell you that Ismaïla will do the same. He will even win a Ballon d’Or too.
"He is fast, powerful and now that he has his bearings … and it’s only his first season, you will see how he gets better and progresses. I think he is well set to become one of the best players in England and the world.” He told the Guardian.
Sarr has played 92 matches for Watford ever since his move in 2019. He has gone to score 28 goals and provide 25 assists. He would be an excellent couoe for the Gunner and it is certainly a deal that Edu should look to explore.
