Despite putting pen to paper on a deal to sign for Arsenal 12 months ago, William Saliba will finally pitch up at the Emirates Stadium this summer. The 19-year-old arrives in north London with a big reputation having shone for Saint Etienne in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons, with the Gunners desperate for defensive reinforcement.
Of course, Arsenal’s track record of looking to France for young talent is strong, going back to the start of the Arsene Wenger era. So who else could they target from Ligue 1 this summer? Which young prospects would strengthen them in key areas? Here are five suggestions.
Ludovic Blas
Club: Nantes
Age: 22
Nationality: France
Last summer saw Nantes fight off competition from the likes of Liverpool to secure a surprise deal for Ludovic Blas from Guingamp. The young midfielder has since added to his burgeoning reputation, making 24 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring five goals in the process from his position in the centre of the pitch.
Blas burst on to the scene as part of the France U-19 side that impressed at the 2016 U19 European Championships. Unlike some of his teammates (Jean-Kevin Augustin, Lucas Tousart and Issa Diop), Blas has taken a little longer to reach maturity, but he is now approaching that point. A move to Arsenal would represent the next step.
Irvin Cardona
Club: Brest
Age: 22
Nationality: France
With seven goals and three assists in 23 league and cup appearances for Brest, Irvin Cardona caught the eye this season, with Fiorentina reported to be among those tracking the 22-year-old forward (as per Labaro Viola ). Apparently valued at around €4.5 million, Cardona looks set to be a bargain for whoever manages to secure his services this summer.
Of course, Arsenal are well-stocked for attacking options at present, but there are still question marks over the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the Emirates Stadium. Cardona could provide the Gunners with depth behind Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah at a cheap price.
Boubacar Kamara
Club: Marseille
Age: 20
Nationality: France
Any list of the brightest and best young players in Ligue 1 right now has to mention Boubacar Kamara. The 20-year-old defender became a key figure for Marseille this season, making 24 league appearances for Andres Villa-Boas’ side. Likened to Thiago Silva, he has been linked with a number of clubs including Chelsea and Real Madrid.
While Kamara is undoubtedly at his best in central defence, he is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder. This would surely appeal to Arteta, who needs reinforcements in both positions this summer. However, £36 million has been mooted as Marseille’s asking price for the player. Arsenal would have to stump up for a player of such obvious potential.
Malang Sarr
Club: Free agent
Age: 21
Nationality: France
Already linked with a move to Arsenal, Malang Sarr won’t be without options this summer having left Nice as a free agent at the end of the 2019/20 season. The 21-year-old would be the perfect addition for the Gunners, freeing up transfer funds to focus on other areas of the squad, although the Gunners will have competition for the player.
Indeed, a number of Bundesliga and Serie A clubs have reportedly (as per The Sun ) opened talks with Sarr. Patrick Vieira has used the 21-year-old both in central defence and on the left side of a back four, with the young Frenchman comparable to Jan Vertonghen in the way he plays in both positions.
Boubakary Soumare
Club: Lille
Age: 21
Nationality: France
He is already regarded as one of France’s best young midfielders, with Manchester United linked with a move for the 21-year-old earlier in the season (as per ESPN ). Indeed, Boubakary Soumare is on the radar of several elite level clubs, but the Lille midfielder would be the perfect addition to Arteta’s Arsenal squad this summer.
Likened to Paul Pogba, Soumare is adept on both sides of the ball, providing the back four with protection while also capable of driving forward with the ball at his feet. What’s more, the midfielder’s price has seemingly dropped since January, with Le10 Sport recently reporting that Hertha Berlin had discussed a deal worth between €25 million and €30 million.
