"Wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal pick him up" - Ali Boussaboun tips €60 million rated midfielder to join Mikel Arteta's side
Former Morocco striker Ali Boussaboun has heaped praise on compatriot Isamel Saibari, claiming that Arsenal could sign him in the summer.
Saibari is having a breakout season at PSV Eindhoven, having registered seven goals and three assists in 25 games across competitions. He has mostly played as a central or attacking midfielder this season, which seems to have brought out the best in him.
Saibari is currently on national duty with Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Boussabon reckons that if the 22-year-old impresses in the tournament, a club like Arsenal could look to sign him. He said (via Sports Witness):
"Ismael Saibari is great. He has wonderful technique, is so strong and really a team player. And he is so humble you almost want to hug him.
"He will miss the next few weeks because he will be playing for Morocco at the Africa Cup, but that is also beneficial for PSV."
He added:
“If Saibari does well there, his market value will rise by €10m or €20m. I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal pick him up after the season. If PSV sell him for less than €60m, they have failed there.”
As per Transfermarkt, Saibari's market value currently stands at €10 million. However, with his contract expiring in 2028, PSV could look for a greater fee if they do indeed part ways in the summer.
Arsenal linked with 2 strikers as they look to bolster attack this January
As per Mirror, the Gunners are monitoring both Joshua Zirkzee and Dominic Solanke for a potential January transfer.
Arsenal have struggled to put away chances this season, which currently sees them on a run of one win in seven games across competitions. Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have scored just 13 goals between them while their top-scorer Bukayo Saka is on nine goals.
Hence, the north London side are looking to sign a striker in January and have been linked with Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has been in excellent form for Bologna, recording eight goals and four assists in 22 games across competitions this season.
Manchester United are also interested in the striker, who is likely to cost around £50 million. However, a January move for Zirkzee appears unlikely.
Arsenal have also been linked with Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke, who has scored 12 goals in 19 Premier League games. He won the December Player of the Month award in the English top flight, with six goals in six games.
Newcastle United were also linked with Solanke but manager Eddie Howe recently ruled out the Magpies from the race for the striker.