According to Le10Sport, AS Monaco winger Keita Balde has emerged as the latest target for Arsenal. The Senegalese international is set to return to France after Inter Milan deemed a €34 million option to buy fee as too expensive. The winger is also unlikely to receive any opportunities at his parent club Monaco either, making a move away from the club almost guaranteed.
As a result, the Gunners are now keen on securing the services of Keita as they aim to shore up their attacking department this summer.
Keita Balde’s topsy turvy career
Balde Diao initially joined AS Monaco in a €30 million move from SS Lazio back in 2017. He enjoyed a decent debut campaign in the French top flight, having been involved in 11 goals in 24 matches. But, his progress was crippled by an unfortunate hamstring injury that kept him out for exactly two months.
And following the arrival of Aleksandr Golovin, Balde was shipped out on loan to Inter Milan last summer. He started quite well at San Siro but never quite managed to make it into the starting eleven following yet another unfortunate injury. The 24-year-old was involved in eight goals in 24 league matches for the Nerazzurri, helping them secure Champions League football for next season.
What can Keita Balde bring to the table?
Balde is known for his technical prowess that enables him to link up with teammates and breach the opposition defence with quick one-twos. He is fast and is blessed with quick feet, which, coupled with his box of trickery, makes the 24-year-old an unpredictable winger.
The Senegalese international has a knack for scoring goals as well, having notably plundered 31 goals in 137 matches during his time at Lazio. Also, most of the chances he creates originate from crosses, which is indicative of his crossing-oriented gameplay, thus making him an ideal fit for English football.
Should Arsenal make a move for this winger?
The addition of Balde Diao could be beneficial for Arsenal, who have lacked the services of a natural winger ever since the departure of Alexis Sanchez last year. Balde, in that regard, could be a decent replacement and the fact that he can also feature as a centre forward will provide Unai Emery with additional tactical options in the final third.
However, Monaco will likely be hoping to recoup the €30 million they spent on the winger two years ago. And this could be problematic for Emery, who is operating with a slender transfer budget this summer. That means the Spaniard may need to offload some of his unwanted players if he is to fund a move for Balde Diao. This is an interesting option, and a gamble Emery should take if the player is available for around €15m.
