Arsenal learn £43m asking price for target but fresh reveal could scupper transfer hopes

Arsenal look to have received a blow in the race to sign Belgian wonderkid Johan Bakayoko - Premier League reigning champions Manchester City are said to be considering a move for the player and are 'keeping a close eye' on his development.

This is according to a report featured on X (formerly Twitter) from journalist Patrick Berger. Moreover, Berger mentions that Bakayoko will cost any club wishing to sign him a fee of no less than £43 million.

A fast, dynamic winger with excellent technical ability, Bakayoko has proven himself as one of the best young players in the Eredivisie this season. So far in the current campaign, the 20-year-old has scored six goals and has notched up eight assists over the course of 25 league games. PSV are currently sitting at the top of the table - Bakayoko's efforts have played no small part in their success in 2023/24.

Who else has been linked with a move for Johan Bakayoko?

While City and Arsenal are firmly in the mix to acquire Bakayoko's signature when the summer rolls around, they aren't alone in their respective pursuits. In the Premier League, both Liverpool and Chelsea are also thought to be interested in a move for the Belgian starlet.

Additionally, both Borussia Dortmund and PSG are also thought to be interested. PSG will provide stiff competition - they are set to sell their star player, Kylian Mbappe, in the summer to Real Madrid. In order to replace him, they will be expected to splash the cash on some top attacking players. Previously, Brentford submitted an offer of around £34 million in the January transfer window, but this was rejected by PSV.

As such, if Arsenal are serious about bringing Bakayoko to North London, they will need to fend off some stern competition. While his asking price stands at around £43 million, it could rise significantly if a bidding war commences.