Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder this summer, and a surprise option may now be available for Mikel Arteta this summer.
International tournaments often raise the profile of potential transfer targets, and this was the case at the 2018 World Cup, as midfielder Aleksandr Golovin shone for hosts Russia as they reached the quarter-finals.
Incoming Arsenal manager Unai Emery was reported to be keen on a move for the then 22-year-old to strengthen the options in midfield, but he moved to AS Monaco, whilst Emery signed Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi.
Six years later, Golovin is continuing to thrive at Monaco, but he has now named Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as one of just a few teams he would consider moving to this summer.
Aleksandr Golovin claims he would like to join Arsenal this summer
Speaking via The Express, Golovin claimed that whilst he is happy at Monaco, there are only four clubs he would consider moving to.
“I like where I am now, even more than in previous years. We have the strongest [Monaco] team of all time, the coach is also the most successful. So, right now, I’m not thinking about switching,” he stated.
“But if you move, then only to top clubs. PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid. I would also say Arsenal, because I have always had sympathy for this club.”
Would Aleksandr Golovin be a good signing for Arsenal now?
Since Golovin joined Monaco instead of Arsenal in 2018, he has played mainly as an attacking midfielder, with occasional spells on the wing.
In that time, he has made 203 club appearances, scoring 31 and assisting 39 times, and has excelled as a midfielder who can provide output, ranking in the top 13% of European midfielders for creativity, goals and progressive passes as per FBref.
His manager Adi Hutter praised him in November last year, highlighting his outstanding quality in the middle of the park.
“Golo is exceptional. He can run for 90 minutes without stopping, he is really in great shape right now. We need him, he is a fantastic player and I hope he will continue to be decisive,” he stated.
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Golovin may be older than Arsenal’s ideal midfield signing, but he would add serious quality to a number eight role, which would see Declan Rice drop to a deeper role at the base of midfield. A move therefore looks unlikely for now, but Golovin may still be on Arsenal’s radar after the interest under different management.