Arsenal are flying high this season, with the potential to win two major trophies. And better still, it looks like the Gunners are only at the start of their journey.
Arsenal duo Mikel Arteta and Edu have helped put together a top squad that is not only packed full of talent, but also boasts the right attitude.
As a result, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table and are in with a chance of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Gunners camp aren’t likely to rest on their laurels this summer, and there’s a decent chance we could see numerous signings through the N5 doors.
One player Arsenal are currently being linked with has been deemed a “one-man army in midfield” and has been likened to Jude Bellingham.
Better still, a transfer journalist has now suggested the player is likelier than ever to more this summer and could cost less than previously reported.
The player in question is Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone, who is “someone Arsenal admire”, according to journalist Steve Kay.
French football expert Jonathan Johnson has now spoken about Kone’s future on CaughtOffside, also reiterating that the Gunners are keen on the Frenchman.
What has Jonathan Johnson said about Arsenal and Manu Kone?
“Manu Kone is a name coming up again after we saw him linked with Liverpool last summer, and now with Arsenal as they look for a midfielder ahead of the next transfer window,” said Johnson.
“He’s a name that pops up quite often for top European clubs, so it’s not surprising to see him making headlines again.
“In terms of links with Arsenal specifically, I think it’s early days yet but they’re certainly one of a number of clubs keeping an eye on him.
“I know there are other clubs in the Premier League who are interested, and some clubs in Ligue 1 who’d be keen to bring him back to France as well.”
Why could Arsenal target Manu Kone decide to move this summer?
In addition, Johnson explained why Kone’s departure from Gladbach looks more likely this summer than it did last year.
He suggested that a combination of the club’s poor form may see the 22-year-old decide to try a new challenge, while the club may consider cashing in while the player’s stock is high.
“Kone is a player of interest and is probably someone who will be on the move this summer,” he said of the £40million-rated talent.
“It’s something that’s been discussed now for quite a while as he seems to have outgrown Borussia Monchengladbach, while the club too probably need something of a more far-reaching transitional period than the one that we’ve already seen.
“So I don’t think it’s impossible that they’ll look to cash in on Kone and rebuild so they can become more than just a mid-table team as they are at the moment, and look to get back more towards the European places.
“It’s not the first time Kone has been on the radar of several top clubs, but I’d say it’s more likely he’ll move this summer than in previous years.
“It also seems likely that the under-performance of Gladbach this year probably also means Kone’s asking price won’t be quite as daunting as it has been in the past to the teams who’ve looked at him before.”
Who is Arsenal target Manu Kone?
Kone joined Gladbach from Toulouse in January 2021, but spent the rest of the season on loan at the French club before linking up with his new employers in the summer.
The 22-year-old has made 81 appearances for the Bundesliga club, registering six goals and four assists.
Kone is also the captain of France’s Under-21s, having made his debut for them in March this year.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout lauded his display against Bayern Munich last February, deeming him a ‘one-man army’.
Meanwhile, the Bundesliga website likened Kone to Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham in 2023.
‘Physically imposing, quick, agile and a tireless worker, comparisons between Kone and Bellingham are inevitable,’ they wrote.
‘Gladbach’s midfield dynamo was even fifth in a Bundesliga top five headed by the former Borussia Dortmund ace for challenges won in 2022/23.
‘He was also his team’s second best passer across the campaign (87.91 percent success rate), as well as the division’s joint-most-fouled player along with Jonas Hector.’