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Arsenal are already planning ahead for the summer transfer window and are looking to strengthen their attack.
Andrea Berta is expected to target multiple positions in the forward line as he aims to build on the Gunners’ current squad.
One of the names now emerging on their radar is Bournemouth star Rayan.
Imagine you are Andrea Berta. Who is your top target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window?
Credit: Getty Images/ Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC Arsenal join the race to sign Bournemouth attacker Rayan
Arsenal are among several clubs interested in Rayan, with competition also coming from other top European sides.
The attacker only joined Bournemouth in January this year from Vasco da Gama in a deal worth £30.3 million (ESPN), and he has been brilliant in the Premier League.
Rayan’s performances have been so good that RTI Esporte in Brazil have revealed that Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are all interested in signing him.
However, signing him will not be easy, as Bournemouth are unlikely to sell him just six months after signing him.
That being said, interested clubs can bypass the Cherries and trigger his release clause, which has been set at £86 million, to land him.
Mikel Arteta’s side are actively looking to strengthen both the left wing and striker positions, which explains why they are monitoring attacking options.
However, given the finances involved in the deal, it will not be easy to sign Rayan unless they are willing to meet that clause in full.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesArsenal signing Rayan would be a risky move
Rayan is a tremendous talent; there is no doubt about that. However, spending that level of money on a 19-year-old who has only been in Europe for a few months carries obvious risk.
There is no guarantee that the Brazilian would adapt quickly enough to justify such a significant investment.
Furthermore, Rayan has largely operated as a right-winger for Bournemouth, which is a position where Arsenal are already well covered.
Rayan to Arsenal – yes or no?
Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth
Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman occupy that role, and although Rayan can play in the other attacking positions, the best we have seen of him in the Premier League has been on the right wing.
For that reason, while the interest is understandable, committing anywhere near £86 million at this stage would be a gamble that could easily backfire.
The smarter approach for Arsenal would be to target a more established attacker now while continuing to monitor Rayan’s development.
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