Arsenal and Bayern Munich could end up battling for the same midfielder as we look ahead to the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are in the market yet again for fresh blood and the name of Dutch midfielder, Kees Smit is the latest to be getting a mention.
Smit has been linked to Arsenal already, with the scouts at the club said to be impressed by what they’ve seen from the AZ Alkmaar man already.
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Indeed, it seems like Arsenal might well be leading the race, as German journalist Christian Falk explains.
Arsenal ahead of Bayern Munich in race to sign Kees Smit
Arsenal have always got one eye on the future and Dutch youngster Kees Smit is very much a player of interest.
The Gunners always want more strength and options in the middle of the park and with Mikel Merino injured and Martin Odegaard suffering a lack of form, Mikel Arteta could look in the summer.
Kees Smit is a name being mentioned and according to respected journalist Christian Falk, the Gunners are indeed leading the race.
“It’s not true they have a very close eye on him (Kees Smit). They have players in this position, Tom Bischoff, Pavlovic, Konrad Laimer can play in this position. It’s not hot for Bayern Munich,” Falk revealed when asked of Bayern’s interest in Smit.
“He’s also a player Arsenal are also interested in, for Goretzka it could be an arrival and Arsenal are closer to signing this player (Smit) than Bayern Munich.”
A new midfielder will be a priority for Arsenal this summer
Despite how good Arsenal have been this season and the brilliance of the likes of Zubimendi, Odegaard and Rice at times, there are some Arsenal fans who would say the club never quite replaced Granit Xhaka.
Come the summer, Mikel Arteta will be thinking of midfield as an area to strengthen. Indeed, we know Arsenal are keen as they hold a widely reported interest in Sandro Tonali.
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As for Kees Smit, well, he is likely to be a longer-term project than Tonali.
However, Arsenal have shown in the past they are ready to strike if needed in the market.
Smit will be a cheaper option than Tonali, too, and in the end, could end up having more upside in the future.
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