Arsenal ‘eye’ cut-price deal for £26m-rated French striker amid Aston Villa transfer interest

Arsenal have joined former boss Unai Emery in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, according to Milan News. The Gunners have previously been linked with the Frenchman and are now set to be reigniting their interest with his contract expiring next summer.

Thuram has turned heads since joining the Bundesliga club from Guingamp in 2019 for a reported €12 million, bagging 43 goal contributions in the German league across four seasons. Thuram also made his mark during Monchengladbach’s loan season in the Champions League during the 2020-21 campaign, scoring both goals in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old’s impressive form in Germany has since earned him plenty of praise and attention, though he is yet to be swayed by interest from abroad. However, Thuram’s contract at Borussia-Park is set to expire at the end of the season and there hasn’t been any sign of the forward agreeing to an extension on his current deal, meaning clubs from abroad can begin talks with the player as early as January. During his time in Monchengladbach, he also earned his first cap for France and has since made another three appearances, including one at last summer’s Euro tournament.

Despite Arsenal’s talented attack, they are still eager to add to their ranks during the January transfer window and have identified Thuram as a possible target, with the Frenchman being able to play as a centre-forward and out wide. However, they will face stiff competition from Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan. The Gunners will certainly feel they have an advantage in landing Thuram given their current position in the Premier League, though he could also be tempted by a move back to his native Italy, while it also believed that he is a keen supporter of the Serie A club.

The forward was born in Parma whilst his father, Lilian Thuram, spent ten years playing for The Crusaders and Juventus. Thuram may also hope to be guaranteed a spot in the first team, while it is unlikely Arsenal could offer him that with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka all likely to be ahead of him in the pecking order.

It is unclear how much Thuram would be available for ahead of next summer, though his contract expiry will mean he is likely to go on the cheap. Transfermarkt currently value him at €30m (£26m), so Mikel Arteta’s side could secure a real bargain if they can lure him to North London.