Football Today
·3 December 2024
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·3 December 2024
Dutch pundit Rene van der Gijp is convinced that PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari will move to Arsenal in future.
The Morocco international has emerged as a key player for PSV this term. He has registered four goals and six assists from 16 appearances.
The 23-year-old predominantly operates from a central attacking midfield role – something which Martin Odegaard does for the Gunners.
Speaking on the Vandaag Inside podcast, Van der Gijp said that Saibari has the potential to reach the European top in the coming years.
The Dutchman added that he is ‘really convinced’ that the PSV graduate will end up playing for Arsenal.
Van der Gijp said: “I think I will soon be proven right. The only one in the PSV selection who will reach the European top is Saibari. Just pay attention.
“Saibari, he has such a drive. He has everything for a complete midfielder. He’s just always on the move. With Saibari I really have the feeling that he’ll end up at Arsenal. I’m really convinced of that, yes.”
The Gunners currently have Martin Odegaard as the undisputed starter from the central attacking midfield role. He has been supremely consistent.
Fabio Vieira was considered as his understudy for a couple of seasons. The Portuguese was loaned back to Porto last summer after struggling to impress.
17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is now the immediate back-up for the club captain. In our view, Arsenal are unlikely to pursue another attacking midfielder.
Manager Mikel Arteta would not want to hamper the development of Nwaneri and we would be surprised if the club invest in that particular department.
Instead, the focus could be on bolstering the wide attacking positions. A versatile marquee winger would be perfect. Nico Williams has recently opened the door for a Premier League move.
Arsenal had a genuine interest in the Spaniard over the summer. The hierarchy could make a serious approach to land him after his change of stance.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com