Arsenal are reportedly looking into a move of Charlton Athletic’s Joe Aribo as they seek to bolster their midfield department during the summer transfer window.
The north London side are bracing themselves for the departure of Aaron Ramsey in the summer and they have already begun their search for a new recruit ahead of next term.
According to The Mirror, the Gunners may have identified their first signing of the summer with Aribo emerging as the prime option to strengthen the centre of the park.
Aribo has enjoyed a fantastic season with League One Charlton, where he has contributed six goals and an assist in their promotion push and this seems to have caught the attention of Gunners scouts.
At present, the youngster has just three months remaining on his contract with Charlton after failing to agree on an extension, and this offers the Gunners with the chance to seal a bargain deal with a compensation fee involved.
Unai Emery has already shown this term that he can help youngsters develop, with Matteo Guendouzi becoming an influential player following his move from French second-tier side Lorient last summer.
Similarly, Aribo could prove an ideal choice with the restricted £45m budget on offer, although that may not necessarily enhance the club’s prospects of closing the gap on the title challengers.
Arsenal return from the international break with a Premier League game against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. A win could take them to third in the league standings, should arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur drop points against Liverpool on the road.
