Arsenal’s attacking unit were going strong with their top three featuring in the majority of the games this season until Bukayo Saka’s injury left them in an uncomfortable position.
The academy graduate was subbed off with an injury in the 24th minute against Crystal Palace in South London on Friday. It is a major blow to lose an in-form player who has 22 goal contributions in just 24 appearances.
He could have had a big say in how their season pans out in the second half of the season. Recent reports have further revealed that the English winger suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to be sidelined until March.
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Mikel Arteta also confirmed that Raheem Sterling is out for several weeks due to his damaged knee. This could force the Gunners to dive into the market or risk exposing their frontline in the games ahead.
But there is a player at Millwall who could be up for grabs for just £12 million next year. Could he be the answer to the Gunner’s woes?
ARSENAL TO FIGHT WITH PALACE FOR ROMAIN ESSE
Esse plies trade for EFL Cup Championship side Millwall and has featured 22 times for them this season, scoring four goals and providing an assist.
The No. 25 is making headlines with his stunning performances on the right flank at The Den. His ability to cut inside on his stronger left foot makes him somewhat similar to Saka.
What attracted them the most is the English U20 star’s £12 million release clause. This is a very underrated transfer since they have a chance to sign a promising winger for a very cheap fee, as per the Daily Mail.
I’ll admit all my viewing is kind of on endless comps at the moment but kind of from that alone, anyone could tell Romain Esse is actually incredible, like sure fire star. He’s incredibly inventive, direct, skilful and is a one of one problem solver with the ball at his feet [🧵] pic.twitter.com/RQFMY8tQni
— Kerem (@K3rem_D) December 27, 2024
Palace are leading contenders in this race, and they have already held talks with the Lions at the start of December. Evening Standard stated that they are looking for a buy-to-loan deal that could see the youngster complete a short loan spell at Millwall before joining them permanently in the summer.
The Eagles’ sporting director, Dougie Freedman, is a fan of the young Englishman and has scouted him in October. Palace have enjoyed success signing players from the Championship. Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are good examples.
Although they have a strong chance to land Esse, the deal is not done yet. Arsenal can surely hijack a move due to their attractive project.
18-year-old Romain Esse scored his first goal in professional football for Millwall and it’s some finish…
Remember the name 🤩#Millwall
pic.twitter.com/tnn6GjpohN— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) August 6, 2023
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The right-winger will get a chance to compete at the highest level and develop under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta. Also, he could test his skills time and again in the UEFA Champions League, a stage he won’t get at Selhurst Park.
This gives them an upper hand, and it remains to be seen if they can leapfrog their league rivals in this transfer saga.
