Arsenal are reportedly planning a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita, who has been compared to N’Golo Kante during the course of the campaign.
The Guinea international has earned plaudits for his impressive showing this term, and his progress on the field has also attracted interest from rivals Liverpool.
Keita, who is a robust box-to-box midfielder by trade, has been instrumental in Leipzig’s push for a Champions League place in what is their first-ever season in the German Bundesliga.
According to German outlet Bild, the Gunners have joined the pursuit of the 22-year-old midfielder as they seek to add a midfielder, who could provide additional midfield cover in the big games.
Keita joined Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg last summer and has since managed to make himself a regular in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s lineup.
He has missed just two league games during the ongoing campaign, while his tally of four goals and eight assists in 22 outings, showcases his creativity despite the anchorman in the team.
Leipzig are currently placed firmly in the Champions League positions – six points ahead of third-placed Borussia Dortmund, but the qualification to the elite competition does not guarantee the player’s future at the club for next season.
Keita, who has earned 19 caps with Guinea to date, could be priced away from the Red Bull Arena this summer, should Arsenal pay up a fee of around N for his services.
Arsene Wenger’s side have looked out of sorts in key games this campaign, and Keita could be the ideal person to take up the holding midfield role after having earned the reputation of being the ‘two-in-one’ player – something which is familiarized with Kante’s style of play.
The Gunners face a tricky test at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon, and nothing less than a win will do if they are to maintain their prospect of finishing in the Champions League places. Arsenal are currently fifth in the standings with 50 points – five points behind fourth-placed Liverpool with two games in hand.
