Diogo Jota to Arsenal: Recruitment pro reveals his place on Arteta’s shortlist
Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Liverpool star Diogo Jota in the summer as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Portugal international has emerged on the Gunners’ shortlist.
The 28-year-old’s ability to play both through the middle and out wide is seen as a valuable asset, as Arteta looks to add further versatility to his squad.
There is a feeling at the Emirates that a natural goalscorer could be the difference between being Premier League contenders and a title-winning side.
Jota’s record of a goal every 148 minutes, or 0.6 goals per-90 since arriving at Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, have made him one of Arsenal’s top targets for the role.
However, Brown explained that the deal could be an expensive one and questioned whether the Reds would be willing to sell to a title rival.
Arsenal make Diogo Jota transfer decision after injury concern
Arsenal are said to have concerns about the forward’s injury record given their current issues with players on the sidelines and a lack of depth, but it has not deterred their interest.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Jota would be a good fit for Arteta’s side and the type of player they should be looking at.
“Jota is one of the names on Arsenal’s list,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s got a very impressive goalscoring record at Liverpool and he does play as a sort of hybrid forward for them, he’s not an out-and-out striker.
“Arsenal want somebody who can play on the wing as well as through the middle, and he fits that mould.
“But he still scores goals and he’s very effective.
“He would give Mikel Arteta’s side something they haven’t got at the moment.
“A player who is going to guarantee them goals and a threat in behind, but is also capable of getting the ball into feet and linking up with his teammates.
“His injury record is a bit of a concern, but I don’t think that will put them off.
“So I think he is one they’ll be targeting in the summer.
“Then, it will depend on whether Liverpool want to sell to a rival and what type of fee they’re looking for.
“It could end up being a big-money move if they’re going to let him leave.”
Ollie Watkins transfer plan revealed after Aston Villa twist
Another striker who has been on Arsenal’s radar in recent weeks is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, as they saw a £60million bid rejected during the January transfer window.
Villa swiftly rejected the late-January offer as a result of Jhon Duran’s departure, while the timing of the bid was not seen as suitable for the club.
However, similar to Jota, Watkins’ ability to play both up front and out wide is seen as a valuable asset by Arsenal, while sources say he would be open to the move to the Emirates.
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