Pep Guardiola, the renowned Manchester City manager, has expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s latest signing, Johan Bakayoko, a talented young forward from PSV Eindhoven.
Guardiola revealed that he had attempted to sign Bakayoko, but the player’s loyalty to Arsenal prevented the move.
Guardiola praised Bakayoko’s exceptional skills, stating that signing him would make any team “undefeatable.”
Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to sign Bakayoko, outpacing Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their attacking options to enhance their title challenge next season.
Bakayoko, 21, has impressed in the 2023-24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists in 33 league games.
His performances have earned praise from fellow Belgian Romelu Lukaku, who predicts Bakayoko will surpass his achievements if he continues on his current path.
Bakayoko primarily plays on the right wing, which could lead to competition with Bukayo Saka for a starting spot at Arsenal.
This factor may influence Bakayoko’s decision, as he may prefer a move where he can play regularly.
Despite this, Arsenal remains keen on Bakayoko, recognizing his quality and potential to add depth to their attacking lineup.
The PSV star is currently at the European Championship with Belgium, where he hopes to impress potential suitors.
Arsenal continues to monitor his performances before making a final decision.
A transfer fee of around €45 million is likely to persuade PSV to part with Bakayoko.
Guardiola’s praise for Bakayoko highlights the player’s exceptional talent and potential.
Arsenal’s interest in Bakayoko demonstrates their commitment to strengthening their squad for a stronger title challenge next season.
The competition for Bakayoko’s signature underscores the intense rivalry among top clubs in the transfer market.
As the transfer saga unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be watching with keen interest to see where Bakayoko ultimately ends up.