"A very nice club" - Arsenal target speaks out on transfer rumors but names three more clubs he likes
Ajax striker Brian Brobbey has opened up about transfer rumors linking him with Arsenal. While stating that he likes the Gunners, he admitted he feels similarly for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
The north Londoners have been in the market for a striker for quite some time, with Mikel Arteta looking to reinforce his squad after losing the Premier League title race to Manchester City on Sunday (19 May).
Arsenal have been linked with the likes of Brentford's Ivan Toney, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. However, Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and Brobbey are the top two candidates on the club's shortlist, according to The Independent.
Brobbey has been in excellent form for Ajax this season. He has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions this term. When asked which club he would like to play for in the future apart from Ajax, he said (via Metro):
"Arsenal, I think that is a very nice club. If you look at that stadium. A very nice club, but that also applies to Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid."
Brobbey then claimed that he is focused on Ajax, with his existing contract set to expire in 2027. He added:
"I have a contract until 2027. At the moment I am just with Ajax."
While Isak remains their No.1 target, the Gunners are aware that the Magpies will be reluctant to sell their prized forward, who scored 25 goals for them this season. Newcastle are reportedly hoping he will extend his contract and plan to build the project around him, per the aforementioned outlet.
Micah Richards names two positions Arsenal must strengthen to compete with Manchester City
Micah Richards believes Arsenal must sign a striker and a defensive midfielder in the summer if they want to beat Manchester City in the title race next season.
The Cityzens lifted the Premier League trophy this weekend, becoming the first team to win league titles in four consecutive seasons. The Gunners, who displayed extraordinary form in the league this campaign, fell just two points short.
Richards stated that Arsenal No.9 Gabriel Jesus has failed to meet expectations this term. The Brazilian scored just four league goals this season. He made only 17 league starts due to injury issues and gradually lost his place to Kai Havertz in the second half of the campaign.
Richards believes a new striker and a defensive midfielder to partner Declan Rice in the middle of the park would be great signings for Arsenal this summer. He said (via Metro):
"I think they’ve been outstanding. They need a striker. In certain moments, in big games Man City have got an array of talent that can change games. I think Arsenal have done that at times with [Leandro] Trossard."
"I think Jesus has not lived up to the expectations of what we all thought. So they need a striker and a defensive midfielder as well to play in there with Declan Rice but apart from that I think they’re all good."