Alan Brazil has now suggested that Arsenal should look to hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in securing the last-gasp transfer of Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson.
The 22-year-old is the subject of significant interest from Premier League clubs ahead of the window slamming shut on Friday. But Brazil believes Arsenal should try to join the tussle for Johnson’s transfer. He fears the Gunners may struggle this term without late reinforcements.
Arsenal have just weakened Mikel Arteta’s attacking options by selling Folarin Balogun to AS Monaco. The 22-year-old’s departure leaves just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as Arteta’s senior strikers. Yet Brazil questions if Nketiah has the quality to deliver when Jesus is absent.
Why Pele Is Overrated.
Arsenal told to hijack Tottenham’s interest in Johnson’s transfer
Nketiah has started the season with two goals in three games as Arteta awaits Jesus’ return from knee surgery. Yet Leandro Trossard opened the action at home to Fulham as Arsenal’s centre-forward last Saturday. Nketiah replaced the Belgian at the break and went on to net.
Yet given his doubts about Nketiah, Brazil questions why Arsenal are not fighting bitter rivals Tottenham for Johnson’s transfer from Nottingham Forest. The Times has claimed that Spurs are close to striking a £50m deal for the Wales winger. But Brentford remain interested, too.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
Johnson would favour a move to Tottenham over Brentford should Nottingham Forest agree to terms for his transfer. The 19-cap international is a product of the Reds’ academy and has 29 goals and 19 assists for them. He has eight goals and three assists in the Premier League.
“Would Arsenal not be interested in Johnson,” Brazil has suggested on talkSPORT (30/08, 08:15). “Eddie is fine but is he clinical enough? And if Jesus gets injured again, then they might struggle up front.”
Wright feels the Nottingham Forest gem is ‘perfect’ for Spurs
Brentford are yet to yield in their tussle with Tottenham ahead of deadline day for Johnson’s transfer from Nottingham Forest. The Daily Mail claims that the Bees have resurrected their talks with the City Ground side. The Reds have already rejected their bids worth up to £43m.
Ange Postecoglou, on the other hand, is driving Spurs’ interest in the Nottingham-born gem Brazil feels Arteta should target. While Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Johnson can make Tottenham a real force if Spurs can beat Brentford to a late transfer with Nottingham Forest.
Wright told Premier League Productions (28/08, 14:40): “If you can get a Brennan Johnson, then you are looking at a Tottenham team that’s starting to cause a lot of problems.
“If they can bring in another winger like a Brennan Johnson, who is very exciting, he would be a perfect Tottenham player.”