"I hope so" - 25-year-old star keen to stay at current club despite interest from Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who has recently been linked with Arsenal, has expressed his ambition to remain at his current club. Kolo Muani joined PSG last season after a stellar campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt. The 25-year-old impressed with 23 goals and 14 assists in 46 games during the 2022-23 season, earning him a €77 million transfer to the French club.
However, Kolo Muani has failed to replicate his form since moving to Paris. His goal tally dropped significantly last season, and under Luis Enrique, he has only been included in the starting lineup twice in Ligue 1 this season. He has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 52 games for the Parisians.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a striker, as per TBR Football. Kai Havertz has performed well leading the line for the Gunners. However, doubts remain about whether Mikel Arteta would benefit from a natural No. 9 to address their recent struggles.
Names such as Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have been linked, with Kolo Muani emerging as another potential target in recent weeks. The French champions are also reportedly willing to let him move out on loan in January.
Despite this, Kolo Muani has reiterated his commitment to PSG, aiming to secure a spot in the starting lineup. When quizzed about whether he will be a part of the club's future, he said (via TBR Football):
“I hope so. You have to keep the mental side. It is up to me to continue to work so that the manager [Luis Enrique] trusts in me. I am keeping my head on my shoulders and I’m going to continue to work."
While Kolo Muani intends to remain in Paris, the final decision may ultimately rest with the club. PSG also have Goncalo Ramos competing for a spot. However, it is telling of Muani’s struggles that Luis Enrique has frequently deployed Ousmane Dembele or Marco Asensio as a false nine ahead of him.
Newcastle United star Alexander Isak addresses Arsenal transfer links
Alexander Isak has been a consistent performer in the Premier League since joining Newcastle United from Real Sociedad in 2022. He scored 21 goals in 30 league games last season and has started the new campaign strongly, netting four goals in nine games.
Despite having three years remaining on his contract, Mail Sport has reported that Isak’s representatives are hesitant to commit to a long-term future with the club. The Swede is reportedly eager to play UEFA Champions League football, with Arsenal emerging as a potential club in their search for a number nine.
However, Isak has dismissed the speculation about his future, saying that he remains focused on playing for Newcastle United despite the rumors.
"There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else,” he said (via Daily Mail).
The Magpies could likely demand a significant fee if Arsenal pursue their interest, and it will be intriguing to see how the situation unfolds. For now, however, Arsenal will remain focused on their upcoming fixtures as they trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points.