Arsenal are lining up a summer move for Basel forward Mohamed Elyounoussi after scouting the 23-year-old during their shock 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester City, according to ESPN.
The broadcaster report that the Gunners jetted out on a scouting mission to watch the Norway international as he put in a man-of-the-match performance against City on Wednesday, with Basel losing the tie on aggregate.
ESPN claim that Arsenal were made aware of the attacker’s talents after facing him in the competition last season, and have been keeping tabs on him since then.
It is said that Leicester and Southampton also had scouts at the match, and Basel are now bracing themselves for several bids for the assist king this summer.
Elyounoussi’s agent, Ferhat Ciftci, is quoted as saying: “I don’t want to speak specifically about certain clubs, but there are lots of teams interested in Mohamed. He was man-of-the-match against Manchester City and I know some clubs went to watch him in that game.
“His performances for Basel have made a lot of teams sit up and take notice of him and what he can do at the highest level. The boy is ready to make the next step in his career and I have a lot of meetings planned with clubs so we will see what happens.”
Good move for Arsenal?
Yes.
Elyounoussi has consistently performed for Basel in his time at the club, and looks ready to step up to a higher level.
The 23-year-old, who can play on the wing or up front, has seven goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Basel this season, which is a very decent return.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It is hard to say.
There will obviously be heavy competition for his signature in the summer, and it is not yet known what Basel’s price demand will be.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10