Arsenal eye cut-price Belgian winger to solve key depth issue
Arsenal could be set to reignite their interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko after reports in the Netherlands confirmed the 22-year-old is available for just £17 million this summer.
According to Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV are prepared to cash in on the Belgian international as he enters the final year of his contract.
The Eredivisie champions are determined to avoid losing Bakayoko for free in 2025 and are now willing to accept significantly less than the £37 million Brentford were prepared to pay two years ago.
Arsenal reportedly enquired about Bakayoko last summer and may now see this as the perfect opportunity to bolster their attacking depth.
Last season’s lack of cover on the right wing proved costly when Bukayo Saka picked up an injury against Crystal Palace in December.
With no natural replacement available, Arsenal lost momentum in the title race while Liverpool surged ahead.
Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to replicate Saka’s creativity during his three-month absence, highlighting the need for a reliable understudy.
Bakayoko could be that solution.
The PSV academy graduate enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
His total contribution for the Dutch club now stands at 63 goals and 40 assists in 207 senior appearances, impressive numbers for a player still early in his career.
He is also an established member of the Belgian national team with 18 senior caps and was part of their preparations for Euro 2024.
Speaking last year, Bakayoko made it clear he only wants to join a club competing for trophies, suggesting Arsenal’s recent rise under Arteta could align with his ambitions.
“If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV,” he told ED. “Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.”
Bakayoko has experience against the Gunners too, featuring in both Champions League group stage matches last season.
Though PSV were thrashed in the reverse fixture, he stood out at the Emirates, completing more dribbles than any of his teammates in a 2-2 draw.
With a modest asking price and room for growth, Bakayoko represents a rare value opportunity.
Arsenal’s focus may be on securing a striker, but solving their long-standing depth issue on the right wing could prove just as vital.
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