Latest developments
- Arsenal are lining up a bid for Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard despite “PL tax”.
- The Dane is expected to cost the Gunners around £33 million.
- The winger has nine Premier League goal involvements this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Fichajes unclear on sources
Arsenal have identified Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard as one of their key January targets as the Gunners hope to keep their title challenge alive.
This comes from fichajes.net, the Spanish transfer site who, as usual, are keeping their source information close to their chest.
Value (2.5/5): Arsenal paying PL tax?
The same outlet claims the Gunners are preparing a bid in the region of £33 million for the Denmark international, more than double his £12.5 million market value.
Arsenal must have been impressed by his two goals and seven assists in the league this term and either want to blow the competition away, or are having to pay “Premier League tax” to get the Bees' attention.
Suitability (4.5/5): A difference maker
Those assists in particular have caught the attention of many top clubs, with Damsgaard's creativity in the final third among the very best in the English top flight.
His ability to play out wide and cut inside to link up with other attackers makes him a perfect fit for Arteta's style. The only mark against the former Sampdoria man is he is yet to prove himself at an elite club.
Upgrade? (3/5): Place up for grabs
The battle between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli for the left-winger spot has been ongoing all season, with the Brazilian in pole position.
However, the place is not nailed down, and Damsgaard can thus offer competition there, or play as an attacking midfielder. So too could he play on the left of a midfield three, should Arteta do away with two holding midfielders.
Logic (3.5/5): Not top priority for Arsenal
Having proven himself in the Premier League, the 24-year-old may well want to strike while the iron is hot and join a club which is challenging for trophies.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in greater need of a centre-forward and a short-term replacement for Bukayo Saka on the right, and could spend £33 million better elsewhere.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
The Gunners being impressed enough to enquire about Damsgaard would not be a surprise at all, but bigger gaps to fill and a lack of reliable sources adds plenty of doubt.
