Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham are all looking to sign an attacking player and are all reportedly interested in Sporting CP’s Conrad Harder, who has been impressive lately. As per reports from TBR Football, the Dane is being monitored by a host of clubs in what can considered to be his breakthrough season on the European stage.
The Gunners have already been heavily-linked with a move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres over the last few months, but there has been radio silence from both sides regarding any possible move. The report also adds that Conrad Harder was signed to cover for Gyokeres in case the Swede departed the club, but Sporting were delighted to have them both in their ranks simultaneously.
Harder joined Sporting only in September at the start of the season and has been crucial to their early-season form. He has made 22 appearances across competitions, scoring seven goals and assisting three as well. It comes as no surprise that clubs from all over Europe are keeping an eye on his development in Lisbon.
Which club would most suit Conrad Harder?
As the aforementioned report revealed, Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham are to do battle for Conrad Harder’s signature. However, his situation at Sporting cannot be compared to that of the Premier League trio, who have their own restrictions due to competition for spots.
At Arsenal, the club are currently knees deep in their search for a striker as their current options do not meet the requirements for the role tactically. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as the two primary options, the Gunners could use a player more accustomed and suited to play a central role, and would be a great place for Harder to develop amongst a young squad.
Chelsea have two marquee strikers in Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, both of whom have competed for the starting spot in recent times. While the latter has mostly started games due to injury to the former, any new addition in the striker department would automatically be lower down the pecking order, which could be detrimental to Harder’s progress.
At West Ham, they currently have 34-year-old Michail Antonio and 31-year-old Niclas Fullkrug as their striker options. Seeing that both players are entering the twilight of their careers, the Hammers are perfectly positioned to onboard a young forward. Conrad Harder can play alongside these two and eventually try and make the attacking role his own.
It will be interesting to see where Harder lands up.
