With Erik ten Hag finally close to getting his man in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United for another key target who has expressed interest in coming to England.
Arsenal have been linked with many strikers over the past few months, with many undecided as to what is needed to compliment Kai Havertz and the rest of the attack.
Many have been crying out for a ‘statement signing’ up top with the likes of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen linked, but it appears that sporting director Edu Gaspar is focusing his efforts on other areas of the pitch at this stage.
The futures of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah remain unclear, but Arteta has reportedly set his sights on a 22-year-old with 34 goal involvements across all competitions last season to bolster his attacking options at the Emirates.
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Arsenal face difficult task amid Man Utd interest in Brobbey
After a torrid start to last campaign, the Dutch striker was a shining light in a poor Ajax side, contributing with 22 goals and Arteta sees him as an exciting option to potentially free up funds elsewhere.
According to The Sun, Man Utd have also been long-term admirers and maintain their interest in Brian Brobbey, despite the imminent signing of Joshua Zirkzee.
There had been rumoured interest before from Arsenal, but it appears Arteta is planning to do battle with the Manchester side as he looks to bring in a fix to the injury-prone Gabriel Jesus.
The forward had a £68 million valuation slapped on his head earlier this year, but it is believed the deal could be a lot closer to £30 million if Arsenal are to get their man.
Netherlands face England in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final, but it’s unlikely we will get much of a glimpse at Brobbey, given he has only managed 28 minutes off the bench so far.
Brian Brobbey has expressed desire to play in England amid Arsenal interest
A host of Italian clubs are also interested, but it is understood that England is his preferred destination.
He has been outspoken about his future in recent interviews, adding fuel to the fire in particular by mentioning Arsenal and his desire to come to the Emirates.
Brian Brobbey told Dutch publication NOS Jeugdjournaal: “Arsenal, I think that is a very nice club. If you look at that stadium. A very nice club.
“But that also applies to Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid. I have a contract until 2027. At the moment I am just with Ajax.”
Clearly not wanting for confidence, he backs up his 49 goals in 119 Ajax appearances, but opinions are divided on whether he has what it takes to make the step up to the top half of the Premier League.
Both Arsenal and United will be wary given the lack of track record of those goals translating to England, take Antony for example, but Brobbey could be a perfect differential to Havertz off the bench and is definitely one to watch closely.
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