According to reports, Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Ligue 1’s latest sensation Amine Harit from Nantes, as the club gears up for an eventful transfer season following a frightful Premier League campaign.
Reports in France claim that the Gunners have been long-term admirers of the 19-year-old and have kept tabs on the midfielder. The French youngster has just broken into the first team this season and didn’t waste any time catching the attention of the top clubs. Liverpool were even linked with the player last transfer window and a deal didn’t materialise.
Arsenal had started the season with one of best core of midfielders in the league, but soon injuries crept in and the muscle and creativity declined as the season progressed. Arsene Wenger is currently overseeing the worst season of his career as the Arsenal manager, with the club fighting an uphill battle to enter the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
Though FA Cup is still a viable possibility of a silverware with them facing league leaders Chelsea in the final, Arsenal fans and critics haven’t taken the poor season lightly with a huge uproar in and around the Emirates Stadium. Wenger’s future at the club is in jeopardy and if the club doesn’t get the FA Cup, he is likely to step down at the end of the season.
His departure might also lead to many players exiting the North-London side, but the club is determined to come back stronger next season with a change in policies they have adhered to, so long. And Harit could be an interesting option in that position. With Arsenal, a possible participant in the Europa League next season, the number of fixtures are bound to pile up and more options will be needed.
However, given the number of quality midfielders available with the club, Harit will have immense competition in breaking into the first team. With the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka, Francis Coquelin, Santiago Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and many more, the 19-year-old might not see first-team action for another season at Arsenal.
An academy product of FC Nantes, Harit has been a regular for the side this season, scoring and assisting once in 33 outings in all competitions. His performance has already earned him a place in the French U-20 side, where Arsenal scouts were present.
A central midfielder by nature Harit can also play on the left flank, and his versatility in the attacking third has earned him huge traction from across Europe.
