Arsenal have identified Monaco’s Keita Balde as a potential summer signing as the Gunners search for a new winger. The London side have been monitoring the Frenchman this summer, according to Sky Sports.
Keita Balde Sought After By Arsenal
Arsenal Chase Monaco Star Keita Balde
Unai Emery’s side are keen to sign a new winger this summer in order to bolster their squad.
It was reported on Friday that the Gunners are likely to make an offer for Wilfried Zaha. The 26-year-old is keen to leave Crystal Palace but would prefer to remain in the English capital with a new outfit.
Zaha scored ten goals for Palace in an impressive 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
However, Emery has identified Balde as another potential outlet for interest. The 24-year-old is subject to interest from a number of teams, but a move to the Premier League is high on his priorities.
Balde, who is valued at between £25 million and £28 million, has been watched by Arsenal at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The talented winger proved his worth while under scrutiny, finding the net in Senegal’s 2-0 win over Tanzania.
Last season Balde was dispatched to Inter Milan. The 24-year-old was sent away from Monaco due to first-team chances being limited; however, Balde impressed while out-on-loan as he netted five goals in 24 Serie A appearances.
This season Arsenal are working with a reduced transfer budget. The London side narrowly missed out on a return to Champions League football in Emery’s debut season.
Balde may prove to be a cheaper alternative to Zaha, with the Palace winger valued at £80 million.
The forward joined Monaco from Lazio in 2017 prior to spending last term on-loan at Inter.
Across a three-club career, Balde has scored 44 goals and assisted 47 in 200 combined games. As a result, Balde is regarded as a talismanic frontman in both Italy and France.
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