Arsenal Tipped to Target Temporary Bukayo Saka Replacement Amid £50M-Rated PSG Attacker Rumors

As the January transfer window approaches, speculation about Randal Kolo Muani’s future at Paris Saint-Germain is growing. The French forward has had limited playing time this season, raising questions about his place at the club.

The situation took an interesting turn when Kolo Muani recently added to the uncertainty surrounding his role in Luis Enrique’s plans. With just 453 minutes of action across all competitions, Kolo Muani has struggled to secure a consistent starting spot. To make matters worse, he hasn’t featured in PSG’s squad for their last three matches of 2024.

According to TBR Football, PSG may consider loaning the forward with an option to buy. Kolo Muani is reportedly open to a move to England, and Premier League clubs are becoming increasingly optimistic about the possibility.

This week, The Evening Standard reported that Arsenal could be offered the chance to sign Kolo Muani next month, although the club remains undecided on making a move amid their ongoing winger injury crisis.

On Monday, Mikel Arteta confirmed that star Bukayo Saka will be sidelined for “many weeks” due to a hamstring injury sustained in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.

As a result, Arsenal, along with other clubs, are expected to be offered the opportunity to sign the French international on loan in January, though it’s still unclear whether the Gunners will pursue the deal.

Arsenal tipped to make attacking boost in January

Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown states that the Gunners are set to step up their interest in signing a new winger in the January transfer window after Saka’s latest injury blow.

“They’re definitely going to look at a new winger,” Brown told Football Insider. “Because Saka being out for however long with a hamstring injury will have a massive impact on the team and on their plans for January.

“We spoke about it earlier this season; the recruitment team won’t wait until Saka gets injured and then panic about what they’re going to do. They’ve already been assessing potential options to replace him and to provide cover so that they can make a move in the January window. The transfer team are always prepared for any eventuality.

“Arsenal have been looking at wingers anyway, but Saka’s injury will probably push that higher up their list of priorities in the transfer window. But it may be that they can’t get the players they want anyway, particularly in January. You have to be absolutely sure that the player you get is the one you want, you can’t rush into a deal because you end up spending money on a player who, long-term, you don’t need.”

TEAMtalk reported last week, citing sources, that Arsenal are interested in Kolo Muani, who can play both as a winger and a center-forward, and could be a key target for the Gunners in January.

The report also suggests that a £50 million bid might be enough to secure Muani’s signature next month, which would be a great deal considering he joined PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt for £76 million in 2023.