Arsenal's 'incredible' £43m-rated transfer target awaits contract negotiations

Despite the continued links, Arsenal have not begun concrete negotiations for the PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, according to the latest reports from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian sports journalist has said that the Gunners are still evaluating their options meanwhile the 21-year-old winger is being eyed by several clubs this summer.

Bakayoko has already been described by his Belgian teammate and Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku as ‘incredible’, while Romano has called the winger the most talented winger currently available on the transfer market.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal season with PSV, scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists in 33 Eredivisie matches. He subsequently earned his first call-up to a major tournament and has helped Belgium in reaching the last 16 of the ongoing European Championships.

PSV have placed a £43 million price tag on their starlet as he faces interest from the Premier League for a second consecutive year. Bakayoko has already seen interest from Liverpool, with the Reds new boss Arne Slot familiar with the winger from his time in the Netherlands.

The Gunners have also continued to be linked with the rising star, but Romano has reminded the Emirates fanbase that, as yet, no ‘concrete’ talks have begun.

As reported by GMS, Romano has said: “At the moment I have no confirmation anything is advanced or concrete at this stage between Arsenal and Bakayoko. He’s been scouted by several clubs. He is, for sure, one of the most talented wingers available on the market. But at the moment, Arsenal have not started a concrete negotiation with the player or with the club for Bakayoko, so it’s still early.

“I think Arsenal will take their time before deciding what they want to do in that position. But at the moment, for Bakayoko, it is not something imminent or something close.”

Mikel Arteta already has a left-sided defender, midfielder and striker on his transfer wish-list and it would now appear that the Spaniard is taking his time in deciding whether a new wide-forward to join Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard is necessary.

Nico Williams has already been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners but the Athletic Bilbao and Spanish Euros star has fast become a key transfer for many of Europe’s top clubs, including Barcelona, thus making Bakayoko are far more approachable option if the Gunners do in fact opt to bolster their winger-department.