Arsenal are weighing up a move for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to FreshArsenal.com.
The website claims that the Gunners are “showing keen interest” in the playmaker as they look to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season.
It is believed that Gibbs-White’s ability to play in multiple positions and the fact that he is homegrown have led the club’s recruitment department to seriously consider a bid for the player.
One big obstacle would be the asking price that Forest have set. FreshArsenal report that the 24-year-old is valued in excess of £50m.
Gibbs-White could be targeted as Smith Rowe’s replacement
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to complete his switch to Fulham imminently. The Gunners will receive £27m upfront for the Hale End Academy graduate, with another £7m due in add-ons.
That fee would, of course, not completely fund an offer for Gibbs-White but the fact that they play in similar positions suggests that Arsenal may be looking at him as an option to replace Smith Rowe
Arsenal are currently focused on signing another midfielder
The club have been linked with Gibbs-White in the past so there is probably some substance to this rumour but it does appear as if they have prioritised a move for a different player at the moment.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino seems to be their top target, based on reports from sources in the UK and Spain. The former Newcastle midfielder has less than a year left on his contract and he is likely to leave his current team during the current transfer window.
A fee of around €30m (£25m) may be needed to acquire the 28-year-old’s services and there is expected to be competition from other clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and even Chelsea.
