Fortunately, Raheem Sterling joined Arsenal from Chelsea in something of a shock move on deadline day, a deal that Edu then admitted wasn’t initially in the club’s long-term plans.
Edu made a late call to sign Sterling, after Arsenal initially bid for Benjamin Sesko a couple of months ago.
That being said, Sesko wasn’t the only striker who Arsenal were tracking this summer.
TBR Football understands that Arsenal showed fresh interest in Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo before the summer transfer window closed.
Arsenal priced out of summer move for Benfica striker Marcos Leonardo
Arsenal sporting director Edu was keen on signing 21-year-old Leonardo in January, but Portuguese side Benfica then signed the young striker from Santos.
Benfica paid Santos around £14m early in the January window, denying Arsenal the chance to make their own move.
New signing Marcos Leonardo of SL Benfica celebrates after scoring a goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between SL Benfica and Rio Ave FC ...
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Edu and Arsenal’s interest has remained since, and Leonardo was on the club’s list of options this summer, and conversations took place with his camp up until late last month.
However, Leonardo has now agreed to move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal.
Arsenal were very aware of this move taking place, but were put off once they found out the fee Al-Hilal were willing to pay.
The Saudi side are parting with £33m to sign Leonardo, which is way more than Arsenal would have considered bidding for the striker.
Arsenal had been keeping close tabs on the Brazilian who had settled very well in Portugal scoring eight goals in 21 appearances, most of which were off of the bench.
Ivan Toney was never going to be an option for Arsenal
Considering Arsenal’s interest in Sesko as well earlier this summer, it’s clear that the Gunners were targeting a second-choice striker if anyone was to arrive.
The club seemingly weren’t prepared to affect Kai Havertz’s minutes up top, a sensible decision on evidence so far this season.
Of course, that explains another reason why Arsenal chose not to sign Ivan Toney, along with Mikel Arteta’s own personal preference.
Unfortunately, it now appears very difficult for Arsenal to sign Leonardo in the future, given he will now be earning significant wages in the Middle East.
Given the fees involved, it seems fair to say that Arsenal will look elsewhere in the windows to come.
And perhaps the Gunners could still revive their interest in Sesko, who was keen to play the 2024/25 season in the Bundesliga.
0 Comments