Arsenal Transfer News: Moussa Dembele Scouted Amid Real Madrid, Bayern Rumours
Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watchย Moussa Dembele as he starred for Celtic in their thrilling midweek UEFA Champions League draw with Manchester City. ย
According to theย Sun's Sam Morgan, the Gunners have joinedย Real Madrid and Bayern Munich "in the hunt for the French wonderkid," with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger having unsuccessfully pursued Dembele in the summer.
Morgan added that the three European giants could make January moves for the 20-year-old, who has made an impressive start to life in Scotland since moving from Fulham to Celticย Parkย in the summer.ย
Dembele netted twice in the Hoops' 3-3 draw with City on Wednesday, his second a stunning swivelling volley that put Celtic ahead for the third time in the match, per BT Sport Football:
The young forward has netted five goals in six appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season, per WhoScored.com.
He was a hot property in the summer transfer market before moving to Celtic on a four-year deal, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both being linked with him, per Jack Staplehurst in theย Express.
Dembele explained that his decision to opt for Celtic over other offers was heavily influenced by Bhoys manager Brendan Rodgers and the attraction of playing regular first-team football, per theย Express' David Wright.
Per Morgan, Rodgers attempted to ward off any suitors for Dembele after the City clash:
"Weโre fortunate to have him. He was coveted by a number of teams but his agent is a clever guy.
Does he go to a so-called better league and sit on the bench and not get so many games?
Or does he come to a big club with an opportunity to develop and invest some time into his development, and then step up if that's what he wants to do?
He really bullied the back four, but he's more than thatโhe's got a wonderful touch.
You saw his agility for the third goal. He's a huge talent.
"
Rodgers has a valid point, and Arsenal would likely have little chance of snapping Dembele up unless they could guarantee him first-team football.
However, unlike Real and Bayern, the Gunners probably could promise the Frenchman more opportunities considering their dearth of genuine out-and-out strikersโOlivier Giroud has spent most of this season benched in place of an out-of-position Alexis Sanchez.
Dembele is an exciting prospect and fits perfectly into the mould of a typical Wenger signing.
He has been included among theย 40 nominees for the 2016 Golden Boyย awardโalongside the likes of Premier League regulars Marcus Rashford, Dele Alli and Alex Iwobiโan indication of his pedigree, per football writer Robin Bairner:
Celtic will fight tooth and nail to keep hold of him, and it is highly unlikely they will let him leave in January, just months after they signed him.
But Dembele looks to be a genuine star in the making, and Arsenal will surely continue to pursue him should he maintain his current form.
