AC Milan striker M’Baye Niang is reportedly attracting attention from Arsenal, with the Gunners plotting a summer move for the forward.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year-old will be targeted by Arsene Wenger, but any move will only happen in the summer rather than before the deadline this month.
It’s claimed that the French tactician is looking for an alternative to the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, and he’s settled on Niang being the player to fulfil that role.
However, given his struggles again this season, it remains to be seen whether or not it’s a smart move on the part of the Arsenal boss.
The explosive winger has notched three goals and two assists for the Rossoneri in 16 Serie A outings this season.
Last year, he bagged eight and five respectively in 21 games, though in that campaign the Frenchman largely played up front.
The 22-year-old undoubtedly has great potential thanks to his lightning pace and impressive technique, but he’s not yet a player who could improve Arsenal.
He’s created 15 chances in 16 league games this season, which indicates he struggles to produce a consistent end product.
Niang still has serious work to do on the mental aspects of his game too.
The Gunners need players whose mentality is in the mould of Alexis Sanchez if they’re to make a serious title challenge—players who are never satisfied until the final whistle is blown and three points are in the bag—and Niang does not appear to share that quality.
What’s more, Niang would be competing with Sanchez, Alex Iwobi and Walcott for game time—there’s little to suggest he’d be more effective than any of them at the moment.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t seem to have put Wenger off based on this report, as Milan could see their resolve tested in the summer.
Meanwhile, perhaps the most important man of all is being linked with signing a new contract extension, with Vincenzo Montella tipped to extend his stay at the San Siro.
The 42-year-old signed a two-year deal when he was appointed last summer, and he has since proven his quality by delivering the SuperCoppa Italiana to the club, while making good progress in the race for a top-three finish in Serie A.
According to Corriere dello Sport, he left the door open for discussions, and so now the contract will be considered by the club with the incoming Chinese ownership also likely being given a say in the matter.
The takeover of the club is scheduled to be completed in March, and based on results so far this
season, it would certainly be a mistake from the prospective owners to tinker with things and change the man in charge.