Arsenal certainly produced an eye-catching performance in N5 against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, at least in the first half......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
For years, Arsenal fans have been longing for a team who are able to see out a game with a strong defensive rearguard, something Mikel Arteta has delivered.
After a vibrant attacking display in the first half with goals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, Arsenal then made it ‘boring’ in the second.
Arsenal were content to defend their lead, keen to avoid the lapses in concentration that almost cost them against Leicester City.
Of course, given the Gunners’ unrelenting fixture schedule, being able to see out a game at a low tempo is a big bonus, something that will serve well in the long run.
Mohammed Kudus spotted at the Emirates during Arsenal win over PSG
All that being said, there was one eye-catching spectator in attendance at the Emirates Stadium, and we’re not talking about UFC star Conor McGregor.
West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus was spotted under the lights in N5, watching Arsenal win 2-0 in the Champions League.
Kudus used to play in Europe’s top competition whilst at Ajax, a level of football he’ll probably be aspiring to return to in the future.
Of course, Arsenal were linked with Kudus last summer, interest that may have not entirely gone away.
Given West Ham’s stagnation and perhaps even regression under Julen Lopetegui it wouldn’t be a surprise if Kudus was itching for a move in the near future.
The forward had an active release clause of around £85m this summer according to reports, one that no interested club triggered.
And in truth, were Arsenal to come knocking for the 24-year-old, the Hammers would probably demand a similar fee, likely pricing the Gunners out of a move.
🚨 Mohammed Kudus was in attendance to watch Arsenal’s 2-0 win over PSG at the Emirates Stadium tonight. 🕵️♂️
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 1, 2024
Arsenal still need long-term back up for Bukayo Saka
With all that in mind, it does seem realistic that Arsenal will once again be in the market for a new winger in the summer.
Raheem Sterling’s move to north London is only temporary – it remains to be seen if there will be any interest on Arsenal’s part to make the switch permanent.
But if not, and with Reiss Nelson unlikely to ever return to a prominent first team role at Arsenal, Arteta will need another winger.
Ideally Edu will be able to find a right-winger who enjoys cutting onto his left foot, someone good enough to compete with Saka without becoming restless as his sub – it’s no easy task.
That being said, one Arsenal midfield target is shining in Europe this season, perhaps a move that Edu will revisit as soon as possible.