How Granit Xhaka could hold key as Arsenal hunt for £25m Champions League striker

Red Bull Salzburg braced for Arsenal's interest in £25m rated Noah Okafor as Premier League leaders prepare for summer transfer



How Granit Xhaka could hold key as Arsenal hunt for £25m Champions League striker

Bruno Fernandes of Portugal battles with Noah Okafor (right) of Switzerland. CREDIT: Simon Stacpoole / Offside


Premier League leaders Arsenal are monitoring a striker who has scored goals in the Champions League against Chelsea and AC Milan. 

And Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka could hold the key.

Mikel Arteta's table toppers are set to qualify for the continent's premier European competition after being away for six seasons and are looking to bolster their squad for next season, whatever happens over the coming 10 league matches.

Red Bull Salzburg are braced for Premier League interest in Noah Okafor as they prepare for a summer battle to retain their £25million-rated forward.

Arsenal are among a number of clubs who have tracking Swiss star Okafor ahead of this summer when they plan to boost their attacking options.

Swiss teammate Xhaka could be the decisive ace in steering his colleague towards North London when the squad meets up for their Euro 2024 qualifcying campaign kicks-off against Belarus this weekend. 

With Xhaka in fine form and once again enjoying life in North London, his positive feedback could well sway Okafor. 

However the Gunners face a battle for the 22-year-old with bitter North London rivals Spurs as well as West Ham said to be interested - even if Arsenal hold the ace of potential Champions League football next term. 

Okafor is only under contract until the summer of 2024, reducing Salzburg’s chances of commanding a fee that they would feel underlines his potential.

Following a stellar breakout campaign last season, in which he netted 14 times in 34 appearances for Austrian side Salzburg, Okafor further boosted his reputation with 10 goals in 20 games before the 2022 World Cup.


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