Christopher Nkunku to Arsenal: Arsenal are close to agreeing on a loan deal for PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table. After a few shaky weeks in December and January, the side returned to winning ways with a strong 2-0 victory over Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea last weekend.
Unai Emery’s men face a huge test later today as they take on Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
There have been heavy speculations over Arsenal’s transfer plans for January. While Unai Emery confirmed that the club won’t sign players, the possibility of loan moves remains.
And now, Sky’s Arsenal reporter David Ornstein has confirmed that the side is in talks with Paris Saint Germain for a loan deal for midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
Christopher Nkunku to Arsenal:
The midfielder has worked with Unai Emery during his time at Paris Saint Germain. However, under his successor Thomas Tuchel, Nkunku has fallen out of favour.
The footballer has played for only 486 minutes in the league under Tuchel in his 13 appearances.
As per @lequipe Arsenal in talks to sign Christopher Nkunku. Early days & complex. #AFC want loan + option to buy, #PSG want cover + new contract pre-loan. Seems 21yo keen & not key to Tuchel plans. Seen as versatile + possible Ramsey successor. Full consensus among AFC hierarchy
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 24, 2019
Thomas Tuchel is happy for Christopher Nkunku to join Arsenal on a loan deal with €20m option to buy as long as PSG sign two central midfielders out of Paredes, Gueye, Sanches and Allan. [L’Équipe.] #AFC pic.twitter.com/3lDf1ZJbMz
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) January 24, 2019
David Ornstein, quoting French site L’Equipe, has reported that Arsenal are in talks with PSG to sign the player on loan.
While Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain are both in agreement over a loan move with an option to buy in the summer, Tuchel has also demanded back-up option for the departing Nkunku.
PSG is already short of options in the midfield after Adrien Rabiot is denied game-time due to problems with his contract and an injury to Marco Verratti earlier this month.
The report suggests that the side is in talks with Zenit’s Leandro Paredes and are also tracking Idrissa Gueye, Renato Sanches and Napoli’s midfielder Allan.
Unai Emery holds a positive opinion about Nkunku, who he considered as the player with the best attitude among the youth crop of Paris Saint Germain.
Christopher Nkunku has informed PSG that he is interested in a move to Arsenal, but a deal is dependent on 2 crucial factors – full story https://t.co/z9mbbI5zv3
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 24, 2019
PSG youngster Christopher Nkunku’s agent Jose Pierre-Fanfan had some bold words when speaking to Le Parisien today. “Our view is that playing time and his role in a rotated squad are insufficient. Christopher is open to a departure in order to progress”
— Rich Allen 🇨🇵⭐⭐🇨🇵 (@rich_allen85) January 17, 2019
The midfielder made 43 appearances for Paris Saint Germain under Unai Emery’s charge at the club, scoring 7 goals. He can also play in the right or left wings, thus giving the Arsenal head coach an option on the flanks as well.
