Latest developments
- Arsenal are keen on signing Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven.
- The Morocco international plays a similar role to Martin Odegaard.
- The 23-year-old has scored in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1/5): No interest so far
Spain-born Morocco international Ismael Saibari is having a great season at Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, leading to pundit Rene van der Gijp claiming “I really have the feeling that he’ll end up at Arsenal. I’m really convinced of that.”
Van der Gijp may be convinced, but there is no evidence of any Arsenal interest, for now at least.
Value (4.5/5): Someone will snap him up soon
23-year-old Saibari has been wowing PSV fans with 10 goal involvements so far this season, but as he is yet to grab international attention, he is still valued at a modest £13.25 million.
Under contract until 2029, PSV can afford to wait for the right price for their academy graduate, but if Arsenal were to come in sooner rather than later, they could end up with quite a bargain.
Suitability (4/5): In the Odegaard style
And why might van der Gijp be naming Arsenal as the right club for him? Well, Saibari can be considered as “Martin Odegaard mark II”, as he plays in such a similar role to the Norwegian.
A centre-midfielder first and foremost, Saibari can also play as an attacking midfielder, where he often arrives late into the box and provides a great attacking outlet for Peter Bosz's title holders.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): An ideal replacement?
Having returned from injury as if he were never out, there is no doubting Odegaard is at the top of his game, and almost no one can be considered an upgrade in the Gunners' captain's position.
Saibari seems to be kicking on from his breakout campaign in 2023/24, but he will have to prove his worth at a higher level if he will be Odegaard's successor, though a season or two as his back-up could work wonders.
Logic (3/5): Worth the Gunners keeping tabs
Saibari will likely have ambitions of playing in one of Europe's top five leagues and will surely benefit from being linked to a club like Arsenal.
If they weren't aware of him already, Arsenal should perhaps take this opportunity to monitor the Moroccan before too many other clubs join the queue.
Whisper+ verdict: 15/25
Arsenal will be in no hurry to find a replacement for their captain, who is still only 25. Their dip in form without him was clear, however, and they could do a lot worse than turn to Saibari as his understudy.
