Expert: Arsenal plot Wissa move after new transfer twist

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Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation of Brentford star Yoane Wissa as they look to strengthen their attacking options this month.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old is viewed as a potentially “cheaper” alternative to the likes of Victor Osimhen.

However, reports have now claimed Nottingham Forest have made a formal bid of around £22m for Wissa as they look to strengthen their Champions League ambitions.

Forest are long-term admirers of the forward, but have now been joined by Arsenal who will have to move quickly to move ahead of their rivals.

The Gunners have been looking to add another forward to their ranks after an injury crisis which has seen Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri sidelined.

Brown told Football Insider in October that Arsenal were planning to sign a new striker in January, and they have since been linked with moves for Osimhen, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres.

Now, Wissa is the latest name to have been discussed behind the scenes at the Emirates, and they could make a move before the 3 February deadline.

Arsenal eye Yoane Wissa deal after Nottingham Forest bid

Wissa has recently become Brentford’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer, and has found the net 11 times in 19 league games this season, attracting plenty of high-profile interest.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in player recruitment at the top level after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, explained that the striker’s consistency and work ethic make him a strong option for Arsenal.

“Arsenal have been looking at a number of strikers,” he told Football Insider.

“You get the feeling that, in the past, Arsenal have always lent in favour of the cheaper option.

“When they’re linked with moves for the likes of Osimhen and Gyokeres, they’re going to cost a lot of money to bring them in.

“Wissa, I think, would be in a lower bracket than them.

“I’ve got the upmost respect for Brentford, and players like Wissa and Mbeumo.

“They work so hard as a team and their star players are no different, and Wissa gives you the type of consistency you hope to see in all players.

“He goes under the radar because he’s not the sexy option, but he’s very important for Brentford and I think he’d do well if he went to Arsenal.

“Whether they make a move or not, I don’t know, because they have been linked with bigger names and perhaps a higher standard – which is no disrespect at all to Wissa.

“But they have been keeping an eye on his situation, and yes, they could make a move in the window.”

In other news, Arsenal accelerate move to sign new striker this month.

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The post Expert: Arsenal plot Wissa move after new transfer twist appeared first on Football Insider.