Emmanuel Dennis caught the attention after scoring two goals against Real Madrid (Getty Images)
According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Arsenal have made a £12m bid for Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis as he looks set to leave the Belgian club this summer. But they’ll have to battle it out with Fenerbahce and Lyon to sign the 21-year-old, who netted seven goals across 32 matches in all competitions last season for the Belgian side.
The Gunners missed out on qualification for the Champions League in the 2018/19 season, meaning Unai Emery will have a limited budget to work on with in the summer transfer window. The Spanish tactician will look to strengthen his defence considerably this summer after Arsenal conceded over 50 goals in the Premier League.
The North London giants will also need to offload the deadwood in order to raise the transfer kitty. The Express claims Shkodran Mustafi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could be sold, while Arsenal are also willing to listen to offers for star playmaker, Mesut Ozil. Emery has already let Stephan Lichtsteiner leave the club, electing not to trigger the extra year clause in his contract.
As far as Arsenal’s attack is concerned, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang formed a deadly partnership up front. They established a good understanding between them and were a menace for the Premier League defences. However, the Times report some Chinese clubs want to sign Aubameyang and are offering him sky-high wages.
It’ll be difficult to hold onto Aubameyang if Chinese clubs come calling this summer. Should the Gabonese leave the Emirates, Emery must replace him with Emmanuel Dennis.
Dennis is a highly-rated prospect, who has had a good season in Belgium. He has made a big impression with Club Brugge and deserves the spotlight. The Nigerian is an extremely flexible forward, adept at playing anywhere across the front-line. Standing at 5ft 9in, his low centre of gravity allows him to glide past players with utmost ease.
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Blessed with pace, power and quick feet, Dennis ability to go on marauding runs down the wide areas makes him stand out. He also has that goal scoring threat to his game as well, which makes him a top option up front. The 21-year-old in the Gunners’ attack can cause mayhem to the opposition box, whilst potentially forming a deadly partnership with Lacazette.
The departure of Danny Welbeck means the young gun Eddie Nketiah is the next most senior striker at Arsenal after Aubameyang and Lacazette. Therefore, Emery is definitely right in pursuing the Nigerian hotshot, Emmanuel Dennis.