Report: 22-goal Arsenal target in line for summer sale by cash-strapped club

Add as preferred source on Google

Reported Arsenal target Moussa Dembele could be sold this summer with parent club Lyon apparently looking to cash in on their asset, ESPN has claimed.

According to L’Equipe, the Gunners are looking at the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.

Dembele has been in sensational form for the Ligue 1 club, claiming 22 goals and seven assists from 42 games in all competitions this season.

His overall tally for Lyon stands at 42 goals and 13 assists from 88 appearances, more than repaying the reported £20million fee the Ligue 1 club paid Celtic for his services in 2018.

However, Lyon appear set for a huge financial blow due to the fact they have missed out entirely on Europe for next season.

The Ligue 1 campaign was curtailed prematurely in wake of the global health crisis, and the points-per-game way to settle proceedings saw them finish seventh.

As a result, Lyon could now be in need to sell their top stars this summer to bring in more funds to improve the squad and, according to ESPN, they’re looking to cash in on Dembele.

TBR View:

Aside from Dembele’s talents, his consistency stands out – he has been prolific everywhere he’s played and is only getting better with age.

In 2016, Pep Guardiola was asked by the Daily Mail about Manchester City’s reported interest in Dembele at the time.

While he remained coy on the speculation, he said: “The quality (in Dembele) is there. He is an exceptional player.”

Lyon are said to want £73million for their top scorer (Le 10 Sport), which could put him out of Arsenal’s price range – but if either Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are sold, and Lyon are forced to lower their asking price further, then it wouldn’t be too unrealistic a signing.