Time is running out in the transfer window, and Arsenal still have plenty to do. They are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper with Aaron Ramsdale set to join Southampton. A forward is on the agenda too.
“We are a little bit short,” Mikel Arteta said to Sky Sports of his options up top after Saturday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa. “If we can do something we will do it but at the moment we love the ones we have, they are really, really good.”
The Gunners' preference this summer was to bring in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish international's wage demands combined with the necessity to pay the entirety of his release clause up front meant that deal was always going to be difficult.
And so they turned to alternative targets. The latest name to have been linked heavily is Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich.
The French international has reportedly decided to leave the Allianz Arena after the arrival of Michael Olise pushed him further down the pecking order. Coman has been offered to a host of clubs in Europe while Saudi sides have also shown interest.
Arsenal are thought to have explored the deal, but there are a few conditions they must consider before moving ahead. Firstly Coman's reported £300,000 per week wages. Arsenal have been able to get plenty off the wage bill this summer with the sale of Emile Smith Rowe and impending departures of Eddie Nketiah and Ramsdale. This means that a deal would not be out the question from that perspective.
Edu will always consider the long-term impacts of a transfer before pushing ahead though. The knock on effect that the arrival of a player like Coman could have on the rest of the squad's wage demands could be sizeable.
It's worth also considering that Coman has three years remaining on his contract with Bayern. This means any permanent move is likely to cost a sizeable amount. Perhaps if Arsenal can get a loan deal for the French international across the line, then a deal could be more palatable.
Arsenal have typically gone for project signings, but this window they have gone against that policy ever so slightly. The signing of 28-year-old Mikel Merino is viewed as one that is aimed at winning trophies in the here and now. Coman would also fit this bill at 28-years-of-age himself.
If Arsenal are able to get Coman in as a high quality experienced stop gap before going again for their main targets like Williams and Benjamin Sesko next summer, there's little doubting that this deal would be a smart one. With just hours remaining of the transfer window remaining, there will be plenty of questions over whether that is actually achievable.
Coman's Situation & Arsenal's Interest
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is eager to sign a forward as he looks to better compete with Manchester City for the Premier League title this season. Coman, 28, has been made available for transfer by Bayern, either on a permanent deal worth around £42m or season-long loan. The Gunners are considering a move for the France international, who also has major interest from Saudi Arabia, in particular Al-Hilal.
The Financial Hurdle
The cost of bringing Coman to the Emirates will be key towards any successful transfer, particularly given the lucrative wages on offer in the Middle East. He currently earns in the region of £300,000-per-week at Bayern. Arsenal are not ones for paying extortionate salaries - it was one of the reasons they stopped pursuing Brentford's Ivan Toney.
A Loan Deal?
But the Gunners would prefer a loan instead of an immediate permanent move, report the Daily Mail. Arsenal have been able to get plenty off the wage bill this summer with the sale of Emile Smith Rowe and impending departures of Eddie Nketiah and Ramsdale. This means that a deal would not be out the question from that perspective.
Coman's Career & Style of Play
Coman came through Paris Saint-Germain's academy before joining a five-year free agent deal with Juventus. The 2018 World Cup winner then entered into a two-year loan with Bayern before signing permanently in 2017 and lifted the Champions League in 2021. Arteta is keen to provide competition for Bukayo Saka on the right wing, with Coman capable of playing on either flank.
Bayern's Perspective
Bayern are keen to get Coman off their wage bill and Arsenal would consider bringing in another wide player before the transfer deadline on Friday. Coman has just under three years to run on his current deal after signing a long-term contract in November 2022.
Coman's Interest in the Premier League
Despite a number of top European sides stating their interest in the winger, Bayern’s only concrete offer thus far has come from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Nevertheless, as stated in the report, Coman could still remain in Europe, with the Premier League as a possible destination. It is understood that Arsenal are exploring a deal for the 28-year-old, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hoping to add attacking reinforcement to their squad as they look to cement a title push this season. But there are doubts over whether Arsenal would pay Coman the same level salary which may leave them at a disadvantage given the riches on offer in Saudi.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
While the potential of Coman to elevate Arsenal's attacking potency is undeniable, there are still significant factors to consider. His salary demands could prove a stumbling block, and competition from Saudi Arabia is fierce. Moreover, Coman's injury history is a legitimate concern for any club. If Arsenal are able to navigate these hurdles and secure his signature, it could be a shrewd move. However, the risk of investing in a player who might not fully deliver, especially given the considerable financial outlay, is a reality that cannot be ignored.
The Final Verdict
As the transfer window draws to a close, the question remains: will Arsenal pull off a last-minute coup and land Kingsley Coman? The next few hours will be crucial in determining the fate of this potential deal. One thing is certain: the Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad before the deadline, and Coman's arrival would be a significant statement of intent.
