Mikel Arteta can make a’statement’ signing greater than Jesus and Zinchenko.
This summer, Arsenal is expected to make a statement signing from a rival.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta can make a more impactful signing than Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. Rangers great Ally McCoist believes Arsenal’s acquisition of Ilkay Gundogan would be a major coup.
Gundogan led Manchester City win their fifth Premier League title in six years. The German has closed the season in good form, scoring braces in victories over Leeds and Everton.
However, his future is unknown. Gundogan’s contract expires this summer, and he has so far turned down renewal proposals from City.
City were only willing to offer the 32-year-old a one-year contract. Arsenal and Barcelona have both been linked with landing him on a free transfer.
According to a recent rumor in The Times, City are about to soften their stance and offer Gundogan a two-year contract. Arsenal will keep an eye on his status until he puts pen to paper.
Arteta has already signed two former City players, with Jesus and Zinchenko’s arrivals playing a significant role in their title push this season. However, McCoist believes Gundogan would be a better signing than either of them.
“What a statement that would be,” he stated on talkSPORT, according to The Boot Room. For me, it’s a bigger statement than Jesus and a bigger statement than Zinchenko.
“You’re getting a fantastic player, and the age factor doesn’t really matter anymore for 32-year-olds because they’ve kept themselves in top shape.” There are excellent pros, and he is one of them. “The main disadvantage is that you don’t have a sell-on option, but this is offset by the possibility of obtaining him on a free transfer. He’s a winner and a big-game player, and that’s exactly what he is. Everyone will be looking for him.”
Gundogan was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 triumph over Chelsea on Sunday. After the game, Jamie Redknapp stated that City should do all possible to keep him.
He said on Sky Sports: “I’d certainly keep him – he’s a big game player. He’s got an influence in that dressing room.
“If I’ve ever seen a player in my life that is destined to become a great manager, it’s him. He’s the manager on the pitch and got so much class about him.
“Why on earth would you want him to go? He’s still such an important player. Barcelona would come in and everybody would want him, but I think he’s just perfect here. The end of the season always seems to be when he turns up more.”
