Arsenal 'make contact' with £42m-rated attacking transfer target

Arsenal are yet to sign a new attacker this transfer window, but recent reports indicate that the Emirates side have ‘made contact’ with Bundesliga star Kingsley Coman.

Speaking after his side’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, Arteta even admitted that a new forward would be on the agenda ahead of Friday’s Deadline day with the Spanish coach saying: “We are a little bit short. If we can do something we will do it but at the moment we love the ones we have, they are really, really good.”

Despite being linked to a whole host of options, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen, Mikel Arteta’s squad have brought in no new striker or attacker, as yet.

The Gunners had also been eyeing a move earlier this summer for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams but the Spaniard’s wage demands and release clause meant a deal proved too difficult. A new target emerged, however, with Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman being links to the Emirates reignited once again.

The French international has reportedly decided to leave the Bundesliga giants - a club he’s been on the books at since 2015 - with the arrival of former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise pushing him further down the pecking order. The 28-year-old is said to have been offered a place at several European clubs as well as receiving plenty of transfer interest from the Saudi Pro League.

According to the Daily Mail, Bayern Munich already have an agreement in place with Al Hilal, but the winger is hopeful that he can secure a spot in any of the top European clubs, despite being aware that the likes of Arsenal would not be able to offer the same financial package as their Saudi transfer market rivals.

The latest news from TeamTalk adds to the speculation by claiming that the Gunners have in fact made contact with Coman’s camp to discuss a potential deal but as yet no offers have appeared. If the Gunners do pursue a deal, Arteta could face a familiar rival with Liverpool also having been credited with an interest in the star. This, however, now seems unlikely, following the arrivals of Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Coman is currently on a contract that should see him remain at the Allianz Arena until 2027 but if he is to be sold, Bayern are hopeful of receiving as much as £42 million for the French international.