Arsenal are chasing Swiss forward Breel Embolo, with the north London club ready to give up £10m for the 18-year-old – either in January or during the summer of 2016, according to Calciomercato. Embolo has already featured for Switzerland’s senior team, and he could play against England on Tuesday, which would give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a great opportunity to personally scout him. Embolo is also already a big part of Basel’s first team.
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal’s rivals and neighbours Tottenham were reportedly interested in Embolo, but they opted to sign Clinton Njie and Song Hueng-Min instead of the Switzerland international. Arsenal have been linked to strikers ranging from those of the highest quality to unknown, young goalscorers – with fans and pundits alike stating that the club need a top class forward.
The Basel man would almost certainly not jump into the first XI right after his rumoured arrival at the Emirates.
Embolo is already performing beyond his years, but at 18-years-old, his body may not be mature enough to handle the Premier League’s physicality week in, week out. Also, he does not know the Premier League, so would likely take time to adjust and develop his skills before having a noticeable effect on the team. Another thing to consider is that if Wenger does bring in the young, quick Embolo, this could spell the end for World Cup 2014 star Joel Campbell, who is yet to be given an extended run in the first team.
