Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing former Barcelona target Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
Patrik Schick of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Opel Arena on February 18, 2022 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
The Czech international has been in incredible form this season and Mikel Arteta has identified him as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s long-term replacement.
According to Jeunes Footeaux , Schick’s performances this season has prompted Mikel Arteta to try and pursue him in the summer. The Roma and Sampdoria striker has scored 20 goals and assists assists in 20 Bundesliga appearances so far, in what has been the most productive campaign for the 26-year old.
With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contracts in June, Arsenal could find themselves without a center forward. And even if the French international would extend his contract, the Gunners are expected to recruit a striker in order to deal with any eventuality.
Under contract until 2025 at Leverkusen, Patrik Schick is estimated at 40 million euros by the Transfermarkt, but will probably not be sold for less than 60 million euros by Leverkusen.
Barcelona and Newcastle were rumoured to have interest in the striker. However, with the signing of Aubameyang, it’s unlikely the Blaugrana will pursue the forward, who sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal’s fellow Londoners, Chelsea in the summer of 2020.
Newcastle, on the other hand, could be Arsenal’s main competition for Schick’s signature in the summer. Bayer Leverkusen will reportedly ask for £50 million from prosecutive suitors. It remains to be seen whether either side will be willing to match their asking price to sign the forward.
Author: Omisore Adeife
