Arsenal plotting €80m move for Premier League duo as Mikel Arteta seeks squad reinforcements: Reports
Arsenal are reportedly considering a double move for Bournemouth duo Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez. Mikel Arteta is said to appreciate the Cherries pair, who have been two of Andoni Iraola's standout performers at the Vitality.
Caught Offside reports that Semenyo is viewed as a backup to Bukayo Saka with the Gunners lacking a right-wing replacement. The Ghanaian attacker has made a fine start to the season with three goals and one assist in eight games across competitions.
Semenyo, 24, is a pacey winger who often makes instinctive runs into the box to help the Cherries on the counter. He is also versatile, as he can play up top in attack and on the left flank.
Arsenal are also looking at Kerkez, whose stock has grown during his time in the Premier League. The Hungarian left-back has made seven appearances this season and boasts physicality, pace, and good crossing abilities.
Kerkez, 20, might replace Oleksandr Zinchenko or Kieran Tierney at the Emirates. The duo's futures are uncertain, and there are growing expectations that they will be sold in the summer.
Arsenal will have to fork out €80 million to sign Semenyo and Kerkez which is a hefty price to pay, particularly in January. That said, Arteta has bolstered his squad in past winter transfer windows and might want to strengthen amid a title challenge.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka picked up injury in England's shock loss to Greece
Saka was forced off in England's 2-1 defeat to Greece in a UEFA Nations League clash at Wembley last night (October 10). He appeared to have an issue with his left leg and gingerly walked off the pitch, being replaced by Noni Madueke.
The Arsenal attacker's injury came in the build-up to Vangelis Pavlidis' opener shortly after half-time. Interim Three Lions boss Lee Carsley gave an update on the young winger after the game (via the Evening Standard):
"He’s being assessed. In the build-up to the first goal, you could see he felt something in his leg."
It would be a massive blow for the Gunners if Saka's injury is significant with Martin Odegaard already sidelined. The 23-year-old has been crucial this season, posting three goals and seven assists in 10 games across competitions.
The north Londoners return to action after the international break on October 19. They make the trip to the Vitality to face Bournemouth where Arteta will be able to get a better look at Semenyo and Kerkez.