TalkSport pundit Carlton Palmer has suggested that Arsenal could be in a position to swoop for Erling Haaland.
The 22-year-old is arguably the greatest goalscorer in world football right now, with the Norwegian putting up 19 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund this season, whilst also scoring six goals in eight games for his national side in 2021.
As a result of that form, as well as the impressive numbers he’s put up throughout his career, a number of the biggest clubs around the world are chasing his signature.
And speaking on TalkSport, Palmer, whilst praising Arsenal for the way that they have been playing recently, hinted that based on how the club have evolved and their current blueprint, the Norwegian, who is valued at £135 million (as per Transfermarkt), is someone that the club might look to add into their squad.
He said: “They’ve got young players who can get around the field, they retain the ball, they’ve got good pace in the side. They’re looking a very, very good side at the moment.
“The youngsters are playing very, very well, and confidence comes from winning games and scoring goals, and they have got that.
“It’s a strategy that they’re going to do going forward – they’re going to go with the young players. So I think [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang will be gone, so I think they’ll be looking to bring in a striker.
“Maybe they’ll be in a position to go for Haaland, I don’t know. I think a lot of people will do, because, you see, what he represents – you’ve got to understand – Haaland’s 22, so if you get him out of his clause at 62 million, if you give him say 30, 40 million [in wages], you’re still at 100 million.”
TIF Thoughts on Carlton Palmer’s comments about Erling Haaland and Arsenal…
Do Arsenal have a chance at Haaland?
Yes
No
This would certainly be a statement signing for Arsenal to make. Whilst it would fit in with their current blueprint of buying young – with the Gunners having signed six players this summer all 23 and under in the summer – to bring in someone of Haaland’s calibre to lead the line would likely bring them back into contention for major honours on a consistent basis once again.
It would take some doing to sign him given the teams that are reportedly competing to sign him, with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Liverpool just some of the names mooted.
But if the Gunners can qualify for the Champions League this season, earn back the prestige of being in the competition and take the money that goes along with it whilst selling him a vision of a promising future under Mikel Arteta, then it can’t be ruled out.
But it will very likely hinge solely on a top-four finish, something that Arsenal are well on course for right now, but if they fade away, then their chances of signing him will likely be close to zero.
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