Various reports have repeatedly linked Arsenal with a move with Serie A’s hot prospect Jakub Jankto. The Udinese midfielder has earned brilliant reviews from critics and fans alike, for his displays this season with numerous clubs willing to land him this summer.
Arsenal are one of the front runners in his chase, who have been keeping a close eye on his developments for a long time now. And to their delight, the player has recently expressed his desire to play in England in a recent interview.
Jankto stated, “It’s not the time to talk about it yet but I can see myself playing outside Italy if we talk about the long-term. I’d like to try new experiences, maybe in the Premier League or La Liga.”
Arsenal are going through one of their darkest stages in recent history as the North-London club stares at a real possibility of missing out on a Champions League place for the first time in the last 21 years. They are sixth in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City with eight games to go.
The horrible season has spurred the Arsenal board to go for a total remodelling next season right from the top administrative level to the grassroots, with the future of manager Arsene Wenger in grave danger. Jankto’s arrival could be a consequence of some big departures from the club at the end of the season.
Despite starting the season with arguably the strongest core of midfielders, Arsenal have found themselves behind in many teams in terms of performances. And one of the biggest reasons for that has been the repetitive injuries to the players. Santi Cazorla started the season brilliantly with his sublime dribbling displays in the midfield before he got sidelined for the season with his Achilles tendon injury.
The anchor positions had to be taken by new recruit Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin then and while they started off great initially, inconsistency crept in soon. While Wenger still had Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey in that position, they too faltered when given the chance. Ramsey’s frustrating displays have many fans wishing he leaves next season.
Jankto can play equally well on the flanks being a midfielder, something which only Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain has done effectively for Arsenal this season. He has netted four times and assisted the same this season so far in 21 appearances. He even notched a goal in his international debut for the Czech Republic.
Landing him will not be that easy for Arsenal as there is increased interest from Juventus and Inter Milan. His contract with Udinese ends in 2019 and the club will have to encash in him this summer if he wants a way out at the end of this season.
