Would Arsenal Target Jeremy Doku or Antoine Semenyo if Man City Faces FFP Relegation?
If Manchester City suffers Financial Fair Play penalties severe enough to cause Premier League relegation, could Arsenal look to sign some of their attacking talent? Former Gunners player Gilles Grimandi shared with GOAL that he doubts Arsenal would make moves for Belgian winger Jeremy Doku or Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo.
Summer Transfer Window Activity and Rumors
Arsenal searched for left-wing options during the recent transfer window, bringing in Greek forward Christos Tzolis while letting Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard leave. They showed interest in more established names too. At one point, rumors linked them to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, who later renewed his contract instead.
French star Bradley Barcola also caught Arsenal’s eye. As a rising talent with back-to-back Champions League wins at PSG, his price climbed until Liverpool secured him for £123 million ($165m).
Reluctance to Overspend and Internal Options
Manager Mikel Arteta seemed hesitant to splash big money, relying on talents like Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to fill wide roles. Still, if an opportunity arose, Arsenal might act quickly.
Financial Fair Play Troubles Could Shake Up Man City
With Manchester City facing 114 charges, some predict a harsh points deduction. Should City drop to the Championship, a wave of departures seems likely, potentially including Semenyo and Doku, who has impressed in the Premier League recently.
Grimandi's Take on Potential Transfers
“I’m not convinced, to be honest,” Grimandi said about Arsenal targeting those two players. “Doku has fantastic ability and pace, but Semenyo—I don’t think he offers anything special. For the style Arsenal want, I’m not sure.”
“Kvaratskhelia would bring something special, but Arsenal already have young talent who might get their chance. Maybe Doku or Semenyo would come on a free transfer.”
Other Opinions and Arsenal’s Current Focus
Ex-England international Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Doku would fit perfectly at Arsenal, while Paul Scholes predicts the Belgian could join if City goes down. It remains unclear if Arteta shares this view or will meet competition for these players.
Expectations suggest Arsenal will seek more reinforcement on the left wing during 2027.
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