Dennis Praet to Arsenal might sound so 2018, but Corriere dello Sport believe the Gunners’ interest in the Belgian midfielder is still alive, to the point where an offer could be in the works.
According to the Italian newspaper, Unai Emery’s side have watched the 24-year-old ‘in various circumstances’ over an unmentioned period of time, and appear convinced with what they have seen.
Corriere believe Arsenal are ‘studying the offer to put on the table’ i.e. they’re trying to work out how much he’s worth to them, and Sampdoria are willing to help them.
By that, we mean they’ve set a minimum price at which they are prepared to open negotiations, and it’s rather reasonable: €20m.
Below that, they aren’t interested.
Joining Sampdoria from Anderlecht back in 2016, Praet, who used to often play as a winger in Belgium, has featured and excelled more centrally in Italy, to the point where links with Juventus were a thing at one point.
Despite scoring only two goals and picking up just two assists in 29 appearances this season in the league, his previous attacking acumen could allow him to be in a more threatening manner, in a similar role to, let’s say, Aaron Ramsey’s.
At €20m, he’s certainly on the lower end of the scale, but a lot will depend on Arsenal’s budget going into the next transfer window, and where they stand on other targets, such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Christopher Nkunku.
Arsenal fans might remember Praet from his Anderlecht days, as he faced the Gunners in the Champions League group stages back during the 2014-15 season, picking up an assist in a 2-1 home loss before playing the full 90 minutes in an impressive 3-3 away draw.
