Remember when Arsenal wanted to sign midfielder Christopher Nkunku? They may well regret missing out after his latest display for RB Leipzig.
Emery wanted Nkunku, Arsenal signed Suarez
Arsenal wanted a new midfielder in January 2019.
Unai Emery made it clear that he wanted Nkunku from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard had worked with Nkunku in the French capital.
The Standard reported that Arsenal tried a loan deal for Nkunku. PSG said no, and would only sell the midfielder.
So what did Arsenal do? They went and signed Denis Suarez instead.
Suarez played just six times for Arsenal in one of the most forgettable signings in recent times.
When the summer came, Emery wanted Nkunku again – but he joined RB Leipzig instead.
The fee involved was remarkably just €15million (£12.8million). That’s much less than Arsenal have just paid for Albert Sambi Lokonga. It’s a mere fraction of the Martin Odegaard fee.
Nkunku shines for RB Leipzig
Nkunku has been a key pass machine, averaging around 2.2 per game throughout his time with Leipzig.
Arsenal would have loved that kind of creativity in recent times. The 23-year-old is versatile enough to play as a midfielder, number 10, wide man… he can do a bit of everything.
On Wednesday, Nkunku turned in a stunning performance.
Nkunku smashed a hat-trick against Manchester City, scoring two headers before a fine right-footed finish.
City may have ran out 6-3 winners, but Nkunku showed his immense quality by finding the net three times.
Arsenal have likely missed the boat on Nkunku now, especially having just signed Odegaard, but he really showed that the Gunners have missed out on.
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