According to a recent report by the French news outlet, Le 10 Sport, Arsenal are ready to battle it out with Borussia Dortmund in pursuit of Marcus Thuram after both clubs “launched serious approaches” for the Guingamp forward, who has also been linked with other European heavyweights (via the Daily Mirror). The same source has also revealed that Arsenal boss Unai Emery knows the French market well from his two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain which could give the Gunners an edge in the race to secure Thuram’s services next summer.
The 21-year-old winger has lit up the Ligue 1 with a series of dazzling displays for Guingamp during this campaign. Marcus, who is the son of France legend Lilian Thuram, has come through the youth ranks of FC Sochaux before earning a switch to the Stade de Roudourou in the summer of 2017.
He has been a revelation for the French outfit this season after scoring 11 goals in 29 matches under Jocelyn Gourvennec’s tutelage across all competitions. However, his excellent performances thus far have not been enough for Guingamp to get themselves out of the relegation zone heading into the final few matches of this campaign.
It is quite likely that the Ligue 1 outfit might be demoted at the end of this campaign which could pave the way for the Gunners to land Thuram in the summer.
The Parma-born wonderkid is highly versatile as he can play in multiple positions across the frontline. He primarily operates as a left winger but is equally comfortable when asked to play on the right flank or as a centre-forward up top.
Thuram has decent pace and can be a lethal finisher inside the opposition box when playing with confidence on the pitch. However, he can also be a bit selfish at times especially in the final third. Hence, the French wide man needs to create more chances for his teammates if he wants to prove his worth at the highest level.
The potential acquisition of Thuram will undoubtedly bolster Emery’s attacking options significantly at the North London club. Except for Alex Iwobi, the Gunners do not have any other natural wingers in their squad, and so Thuram’s addition will be a welcome one at the Emirates Stadium.
