Arsenal have had a pretty slow start to the summer transfer window despite calls from Mikel Arteta to act ‘very ambitious, very fast and very smart’.
Arsenal appear to face strong competition in the race to sign Dario Osorio from Midtjylland. The 22-year-old winger, who’s been described as the ‘next Alexis Sanchez’, has recently been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline.
Osorio, whose contract at the MCH Arena expires in June 2030, featured 49 times across all competitions for the Danish outfit last season, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. Playing a key role in Mike Tullberg’s side, the Chile international helped Midtjylland win the Danish cup.
His impressive performances didn’t go under the radar, reportedly attracting interest from some top European clubs, including the Gunners. Last month, speaking to Chilean outlet ADN Deportes, the Midtjylland sporting director confirmed that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Osorio.
“We know Arsenal have been interested in Osorio, but we also know other Premier League clubs have been the same,” said Kristian Kjaer, who then explained why the Chilean could be ready to test himself in the English top-flight.
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“In my opinion, the Premier League suits him very well because he has a very hard-working mentality,” continued the former Brentford scout. “His defensive transitions are incredible, his top speed is incredible.
“He’s a left-footed right winger who can go to either side of his direct opponent. He has everything. In Chile, he’s considered the next Alexis Sánchez. I think he can make a difference in the Premier League.”
According to ADN Deportes, as quoted by Sport Witness, Benfica have since joined the race to sign Osorio. The report claims that Marco Silva was an admirer of the Chilean during his time at Fulham and now wants to bring him to Lisbon.
It’s later adds that Osorio could be available for €12million (£10.3m) to €15m (£12.9m), but Midtjylland are yet to set an official price tag. As it stands, it remains unclear whether Arsenal will lodge a bid for the forward, but Arteta is certainly keen to bolster his frontline this summer.
football.london understands that the Gunners are interested in signing Morgan Rogers and Eli Junior Kroupi. Arsenal are also eager to sign a midfielder and a full-back, with new contracts for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice also on the agenda.
Speaking to reporters at the end of May, following the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, Arteta outlined his plan to take things to ‘another level’.
The Spaniard said: “First of all, I will take a few days with my family, and then we will start the process to review what we have done. We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.
“We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”
