Arsenal have moved ahead of Bayern Munich and Liverpool in the race to sign PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko, according to GVA.
The Belgium international has become a hot commodity after his stellar performances for the Dutch giants during the 2023/24 season.
Bakayoko was linked with a move to the Premier League last summer, with Burnley and Brentford keen on his signature.
The Bees came close to signing him, but the electrifying winger turned down the transfer in favour of playing Champions League football at PSV.
However, he could leave the Eredivisie champions this summer, and a number of top clubs are vying for his signature.
Bayern are already one step away from signing Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, so they’re unlikely to add Bakayoko to their roster this summer.
That leaves Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign him, although the Gunners have been touted as the most likely destination.
PSV will likely demand around €45 million for the 21-year-old, who was in fine form for Peter Bosz’s side last season.
Bakayoko notched 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games across all competitions. He scored 12 times and provided nine assists in 33 league games, spurring PSV to the Eredivisie title.
The Dutch prodigy also created an impressive 12 big chances in the league, averaging 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes.
Bakayoko could be the perfect understudy for Bukayo Saka, who has barely had a breather since breaking through the ranks at Arsenal.
Saka has been Arsenal’s talisman for the past few seasons, but Bakayoko would be a reliable back-up for the England international.
Arsenal are also interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The Spanish sensation has a £53m release clause, and the Gunners are keen to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Williams is also attracting interest from Chelsea, but his wage demands could be a sticking point for the Blues.
Stats from Sofascore.com
