Edu Gaspar during transfer windows for Arsenal is like Hulk on steroids. He literally leaves no stone unturned to ensure that Mikel Arteta has the best squad possible at his disposal. This summer, things have been no different.
Gunners have made two excellent acquisitions so far this summer – Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino. The Italian youngster could define a decade at the Emirates whilst the Spanish midfielder is the final piece of the jigsaw to complete Arteta’s midfield.
With Eddie Nketiah on his way to Selhurst Park, the next couple of days seem to be about one main thing for Arsenal. Can we bring in a new striker this summer? If yes, could he also provide cover on the wings?
Edu Gaspar targets versatile forward Lois Openda
It does look like Edu has identified the perfect player. Arsenal are interested in signing Belgian striker Lois Openda from RB Leipzig, per the ever-reliable Arsenal Fanatic News on Patreon. The 24-year-old is also comfortable playing on the left wing and cutting in on his favoured right foot.
Edu has now kicked off talks to sign Openda in the coming days but there are quite a few issues that he needs to contend with. RB Leipzig are asking for €80m and agreeing on the payment structure could be tricky. Arsenal have requested permission to contact the player over personal terms.
Brilliant coup?
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If Arsenal manage to sign the Belgian attacker before the window ends, it might turn out to be one of the signings of the summer. Openda is a pacy striker who can help Mikel Arteta’s squad in the season to come.
He is a different striker to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus and is arguably a better finisher than the other two. Alternatively, he can start instead of Gabriel Martinelli although Openda isn’t as electric as the Brazilian.
With a contract until 2028, Leipzig are unlikely to make life easy for Arsenal. €80m for Openda feels a tad too much but the ball is firmly in the German club’s court. It’s up to them to decide how much they want to demand for the 24-year-old.
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Openda is just the kind of player that Mikel Arteta likes to work with. Incredibly versatile and capable of adapting to other systems, the Belgian would fit into the Spanish tactician’s setup like a glove.
One thing that the Belgian needs to be clear about is that he is unlikely to be a starter at the Emirates, at least initially. However, every squad has starters and finishers and the latter is just as important as the former.
The next couple of days are crucial for Arsenal. Openda is not their only transfer target with the club also looking at other players. Who they sign in this time could be what makes the difference between challenging for title and winning it. Let’s see how Edu goes about his business during this period.
