Arsenal are still searching for a new striker as we head into the final days of the winter transfer window.
Arsenal bid for Ollie Watkins earlier this week, but that appears to have led up a dead end, for now at least.
Meanwhile, Arsenal made an approach for Evan Ferguson too in recent days.
Mathys Tel has also been linked to Arsenal as of late, and speaking on Curtis Shaw TV, Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the Gunners’ interest in Tel.
Tel has also been linked to Tottenham.
According to the journalist, Arsenal are keen on Tel, but if they are to make a move, they would want to have some level of permanence attached to the deal.
Indeed, Jacobs claims that, at minimum, they would want an option to buy the Frenchman after an initial loan spell.
Arsenal want option to buy Mathys Tel
According to Jacobs, Arsenal are keen on Tel, but they would want to have the option to turn his loan deal permanent.
Indeed, the journalist says that Arsenal do like Tel, but they do want to have some guarantees, long-term, if they’re going to do this deal.
“At this stage I think we can say that Arsenal are interested (in Tel), but it’s not as advanced as other clubs. You have Manchester United, who want a straight loan, you have Tottenham who are going to be very ambitious and try to buy the player with some kind of permanence. Chelsea have long-standing interest and a bit of leverage because Bayern might be persuaded to take Christopher Nkunku and there’s always flexibility when two separate deals are done,” Jacobs said.
“Arsenal’s view is similar as well, if they proceed they would want permanence, if it were to progress they would want a minimum of an option. Arsenal are not as advanced compared to other suitors, it’s not impossible, but other Premier League clubs are pushing harder.”
Arsenal’s most expensive teenage signings
Tel could be headed to Arsenal at some point in the near future, and if the striker does end up at the Emirates, he could well be the most expensive teenager the Gunners have ever bought.
Indeed, Tel is being touted as a £40m player at the moment, and that would shatter the record for Arsenal’s most expensive teenage purchase.
| Arsenal’s most expensive teenage signings | Age | Fee |
| William Saliba | 18 | £27m |
| Calum Chambers | 19 | £18m |
| Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain | 17 | £15m |
| Theo Walcott | 16 | £12m |
| Matteo Guendouzi | 18 | £8m |
Arsenal’s record when signing teenage talents for big-money in the past is somewhat hit and miss.
William Saliba has become a star. In fact, Saliba may be the best defender in the world today.
However, Calum Chambers’ time at Arsenal didn’t go to plan and he’s now playing in the Championship, and while Arsenal did turn a big profit on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, he didn’t necessarily become the star many expected him to be.
Theo Walcott became a bona fide legend for Arsenal, scoring over 100 goals for the club, so that was a great signing, while Matteo Guendouzi fell out with Mikel Arteta and was quickly moved on.
Tel would be the most expensive teenager ever signed by Arsenal if they decided to do a permanent deal, and after failing to score a single goal so far this season, it has to be said that this move would be a risk.
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