Arsenal could yet turn to Real Madrid to answer Mikel Arteta’s desperate calls for a striker, as intermediaries have now offered Luka Jovic in a late transfer before Monday’s deadline.
That’s according to football.london, who report middle men have presented the Gunners a chance to loan Jovic this month. The Serbia centre-forward has struggled to gain a key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu so far this season, so may now depart.
Jovic has featured on 15 occasions in all competitions this term, but has only started two of his outings. He is also yet to open a La Liga fixture under Los Blancos’ former Everton boss. His combined appearances additionally total just 432-minutes, for one goal and two assists.
Karim Benzema is giving Ancelotti no reason to thrust Jovic into a more integral role as the Frenchman continually thrives. He has scored 17 goals in 21 La Liga games so far this term, five more than any-one else. Vinicius Junior, Juanmi and Raul de Tomas each have 12 goals.
So, Jovic does not rule out leaving Real Madrid with Arsenal considering a late transfer. The 24-year-old will also be a far cheaper option for Arteta after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic. The Gunners admire Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak, but both will be expensive.
Arsenal admire Jovic, but have one key concern over Real Madrid striker
Arsenal targeting a loan transfer with Real Madrid for Jovic could gain pace in the last week of the window. The Sun have also noted that Jovic is eager to one day move to England and prove himself in the Premier League. Arteta is also ‘desperate’ to sign a striker by Monday.
But while Arsenal admire Jovic, The Athletic add the Gunners have a key concern over the Real Madrid forward. The north Londoners like Los Blancos’ £52.5m signing’s ability to link play and his finishing skill. But they question his desire to also step up in defensive phases.
Concerns relating to Jovic’s defensive work rate could stop Arsenal accepting any offer for a loan transfer with Real Madrid. Yet his finishing ability may also be the overriding trait that sees Arteta target a late deal. Jovic’s shooting has long been one of his greatest strengths.
“Jovic is just unbelievable!” Filip Kostic once said of the striker while at Eintracht Frankfurt together, via Bundesliga.com. “He has outstanding timing and a feel for the goal.”
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