Moussa Dembele report deals Arsenal a transfer blow

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal appear to have been dealt a blow in the transfer window, with Foot Mercato reporting that Atletico Madrid hope to keep Gunners striker target Moussa Dembele.

Mikel Arteta looks set to bolster his attacking options this summer. According to The Telegraph, both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are facing uncertain futures at the Emirates.

That report from last month suggested that Arsenal are interested in Dembele, who spent the second-half of this past season on loan at Atletico.

Diego Simeone’s men have the option to buy the Frenchman for £30 million. The Telegraph suggested however, that it was not yet clear whether Atleti planned to make his move from Lyon permanent.

That may have left Arsenal supporters with some hope. Dembele endured an underwhelming spell in the Spanish capital.

He failed to score following his move.

However, it appears that the door may be closing on Arsenal’s hopes.

According to Foot Mercato, Atletico want to keep Dembele. And the 24-year-old is reportedly keen to stay at Wanda Metropolitano.

There may be a glimmer of hope for Arsenal as Atletico eye Dembele transfer

It does appear that Atletico have every chance to secure a permanent deal. Both the club and the player want a move to happen.

Having said that, there may be reason for the smallest amount of optimism for the Arsenal fans keen on seeing Dembele arrive.

Foot Mercato does note that the £30 million option would represent a hefty outlay for Atletico. It is claimed that they suffered major losses due to the pandemic.

So perhaps there is still an opportunity for Arsenal. If Atletico cannot agree a fee, Lyon will surely look elsewhere.

Arsenal may be wary of paying too much themselves. But Dembele boasts an outstanding career record.

He is a player former Arsenal striker John Hartson tipped for great things when he was at Celtic.

If there is a chance to step in, Arsenal must take it.