As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, transfer speculation is heating up ahead of the January window. The Gunners, currently holding a fragile four-point lead at the Premier League summit, are reportedly setting their sights on a significant attacking reinforcement.
Gunners Target £70m Frankfurt Prospect
According to reports from German outlet Sport1, Arsenal are showing a firm interest in Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya. The 20-year-old France U21 international is considered one of Europe's most promising talents, a status reflected in his hefty valuation.
Frankfurt's sporting director, Markus Krosche, has reportedly placed a £70 million price tag on the young forward. This comes after the German club reportedly turned down a substantial offer of £61 million from a Saudi Arabian club during the summer transfer window.
Bahoya made the move to Frankfurt from Angers in 2024. While often utilised as a rotational player, he made 33 appearances across all competitions last season, contributing to seven goals. He started the current campaign emphatically, scoring a brace against Werder Bremen, but has since grown frustrated with a lack of consistent starting opportunities.
Eze Unfazed by £60m Arsenal Move
Meanwhile, one of Arsenal's summer signings, Eberechi Eze, has openly discussed his own major transfer. The £60 million acquisition from Crystal Palace has insisted he feels no pressure to justify his price tag.
In an interview on the Beast Mode On podcast, Eze stated, "Pressure? For me? No. Pressure, no, because I think that is just how my belief system is set up. I don't feel the pressure because of what I believe, and the faith that I have."
He elaborated that the fee was a validation of his ability, adding, "I feel like I have been put in a position, because a club like Arsenal deemed it worthy. They pay that money because you are worth that money." Since his move, Eze has scored twice and provided three assists in 17 appearances for the Gunners.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Derby Clash
The transfer talk unfolds against the backdrop of a critical match for Arsenal's title ambitions. Mikel Arteta's side returns from the international break to face arch-rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.
This fixture takes on added significance after Arsenal's last outing, a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, allowed Manchester City to close the gap slightly. The Gunners' preparations have been hampered by an injury to defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who picked up a knock while on international duty, adding to Arteta's selection headaches.
With the title race intensifying and the January window on the horizon, Arsenal's performance in the derby and their subsequent transfer activity will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
