According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, Arsenal are in the race to secure the services of Joe Aribo from Charlton Athletic next summer. The same source has revealed that the Gunners have identified the League One midfielder as an ideal option for the summer transfer window after scouting him on multiple occasions this season. The Mirror also mentions that the English talent will become a free agent when his contract at the Valley runs out at the end of this campaign.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye with a string of goal-scoring displays for the Addicks during this season. He spent his youth career playing for Staines Town FC before sealing a move to Charlton in the summer of 2015.
The London born sensation has been a regular feature in Lee Bowyer’s first-team thus far. Aribo has featured in 26 league matches for Charlton this term, scoring six goals while providing two assists in all competitions.
He has arguably been the League One outfit’s best player of this campaign as his incredible contributions on the pitch have helped the club fight for promotion back to the EFL Championship.
Aribo has blistering pace and possesses a decent turn of speed when he is dribbling with the ball from midfield. He is also a good passer of the ball but needs to be more inventive going forward. Furthermore, his shooting from long range has a lot of room for improvement.
At 22, the English prospect is still quite raw and needs time to be ready to play football at the highest level. However, Aribo could be a good acquisition for the Gunners who could help fill the void left by Aaron Ramsey’s impending departure to Juventus in the summer.
Even though Aribo is not at the same level as the departing Welshman at this moment, the Charlton youngster has the potential to become a world-class prospect in the future if Emery is willing to be patient with his development.
Emery needs to add some talented young players to his squad to help him establish long-term success at the Emirates Stadium and in that regard, Aribo fits the bill perfectly.
