Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, despite previous reports linking the Gunners with a possible move.
A recent report from L’Equipe claims that Coman is ready to leave Bayern Munich but that Arsenal are no longer in the running to sign the France international.
This change in focus could see Coman considering a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal reportedly making a lucrative offer.
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 20: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich watches a pre-season friendly match between FC Bayern Munich and Grasshoppers Zurich at the FCB Campus in Munich, Germany on August 20, 2024. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Coman, a Bayern Munich regular since 2015, is reportedly no longer part of the club’s long-term plans.
The 28-year-old winger, who won eight Bundesliga titles with the German giants, now faces a possible departure as the club begin to consider their options to sell him.
A source close to Bayern said the club had been carefully researching the market for Coman in recent weeks, tracking interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal.
However, Arsenal’s attitude towards the player has changed, with L’Equipe reporting that the north London team are no longer actively pursuing the player.
ULM, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich plays with the ball during the DFB Pokal match between SSV Ulm 1846 and FC Bayern Munich at Donaustadion in Ulm, Germany on August 16, 2024. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Coman has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs this summer, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, and his desire to experience English football has been well-known and he has made his ambitions clear in previous transfer windows.
However, his injury history and questions about his consistency are likely to discourage Arsenal, who have decided not to pursue negotiations with the Bayern winger, instead focusing on strengthening other parts of their squad.
Coman’s situation at Bayern has become increasingly untenable, especially after his limited playing time with France and a frustrating Euro 2024 campaign.
The winger’s unhappiness with Bayern’s management, combined with the club’s willingness to release some of its highest-paid players from their contracts, has led both sides to want change.
Coman has reportedly told close friends that he was only looking for a move because of “an interesting project that would be challenging”, casting doubt on a move to Saudi Arabia, but recent developments suggest that Coman is seriously considering the financial attractiveness of a move to Al Hilal.
MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 13: Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich is injured and substituted during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich vs 1. FC Köln at Allianz Arena on April 13, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
If the deal goes through, Coman would join former Paris Saint-Germain stars Neymar, Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly in the Saudi Pro League and has long been seen as a player destined for the Premier League but appears willing to put those ambitions aside to earn big money in the Middle East.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the decision to forgo any pursuit of Coman is in line with the club’s recent transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu.
Arsenal have shown restraint in the market, targeting younger, more durable players who fit Arteta’s tactical vision, and concerns over Coman’s fitness and ability to maintain a high level throughout a gruelling Premier League season are likely what contributed to Arsenal pulling away from the signing.
As it stands, Arsenal will not pursue further negotiations with Coman and any faint hopes of seeing the Frenchman wear Arsenal’s red and white shirt this season appear to have been dashed.
The next few days will be crucial for Coman in deciding whether he opts for a move to Saudi Arabia or if a surprise candidate emerges at the last moment.
With just days to go in the transfer window, it’s clear Arsenal have their priorities elsewhere, leaving Coman’s future uncertain as he considers his options away from the Allianz Arena.
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