Arsenal are reportedly plotting a January swoop for Toulouse youngster Fares Chaibi, as per the French outlet Foot Mercato.
The 19-year-old Lyon-born midfielder came through Les Gones academy before signing his first professional contract with Toulouse back in 2019. The youngster made his senior first-team debut against OGC Nice at the beginning of this campaign and since then he has played in 13 Ligue 1 encounters for TFC this term, scoring twice and notching up four assists.
It has been widely touted that following a brilliant first half of this season, Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his squad in the winter window in order to keep the momentum going and mount a title charge after the new year.
Midfield is one of the positions that the Spanish boss is keen on strengthening. The north London club have already been linked with several options, with Chaibi being the new name who has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal.
Fares Chaibi to Arsenal
According to the report by Foot Mercato, after displaying brilliant performances during the early stages of this term, Chaibi has caught the attention of big European clubs. Arsenal are one of the clubs who have expressed their interest in signing the talented midfielder in January but they’ll face competition from Sevilla.
The midfielder is valued at around £4m by Transfermarkt and he still has two and a half years left in his current contract. So, the French club won’t be in any rush to sell the 19-year-old in January. But, if a club of Arsenal’s stature formalise their interest and submits a tempting offer, then perhaps it would be difficult for Philippe Montanier’s side to keep hold of their star man this winter.
Arsenal are seemingly in search of a new midfielder and Fares Chaibi could be an exciting acquisition. The Algerian can play in the middle of the park or out wide, and his versatility would help Arteta to rotate his squad and keep his players fresh throughout the second half of this season.
Chaibi can play threading passes between the lines, has an eye for scoring goals, and also works hard without possession. So, he could be a very good addition to the Gunners’ squad if he were to join the club this January.
