Arsenal could now sign another Theo Walcott this summer – amid rumours that Edu has submitted an offer.
The Gunners have no intention of standing still under Mikel Arteta after once again running Manchester City close in the Premier League title race – and it seems the Spaniard has decided to inject a bit more speed into his attack.
So, who have Arsenal supposedly bid for? Let’s take a look…
Arsenal could sign Theo Walcott 2.0 as bid submitted for Viktor Tsygankov
Arsenal already have a number of pacey attackers, such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
However, none – with the exception of Martinelli, perhaps – possess raw, blistering speed like players such as Walcott and Gareth Bale had in their prime.
Arteta does seem to want an Olympic style sprinter in his squad after famously pushing to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023 – and now, one of the Chelsea No.10’s international teammates could fill that void in Viktor Tsygankov.
Spanish news outlet AS believe Arsenal have now bid for the Ukraine international, who UEFA have compared to a young Walcott and also a young Bale due to his incredible pace and directness.
The Girona No.8 is happy in Spain, but is also open to leaving for another UEFA Champions League outfit, which puts Arsenal in a decent position – as does his tempting £26m release clause.
Tsygankov has worked his way onto Arteta and Edu’s radar after scoring eight goals – and also providing seven assists – across 30 appearances in La Liga last season, helping Girona finish third.
Mikel Arteta target is not just about speed
Unlike Mudryk – who is unbelievably quick, but tends to lack composure in the final third – Tsygankov is a cool, composed operator in front of goal.
UEFA also likened the 26-year-old to Andriy Shevchenko as a result of his finishing skills, and he impressively boasts 106 goals in 294 appearances across his career.
That is an exceptional return for someone who is not considered to be a natural striker – to say the least.
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Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Arteta and Edu push to bring Tsygankov to Arsenal this summer.