After failing to sign a centre-forward during the summer transfer window, Arsenal have now entered contention against a number of top clubs to sign an exciting young striker.
Julian Alvarez was firmly in the Gunners’ sights in August, but the Argentina star ultimately ended up staying at Atletico Madrid, as he was uninterested in a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite holding regular talks with Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta.
A seasoned striker with 25 Champions League goals to his name, Alvarez could have made an instant impact, but attention has now turned to a long-term project who could develop into an elite player over time.
AIK striker Kevin Filling, who is just 17-years-old, has made a major impact for the Swedish side this season, picking up a combined seven goals and assists in 18 matches across all competitions.
The youngster has also managed to create six big chances in the Allsvenskan, the highest number in the AIK squad, and he has proven himself as a versatile forward, having featured as a striker, as well as on both wings.
Former AIK manager Mikkjal Thomassen was the man who gave the forward his breakthrough, when he was named in the starting XI in a derby match against IFK Goteborg at just 16-years-old.
Explaining his decision, which was justified when he went on to score, Thomassen said: “I picked the best team today. It was a 16-year-old and a guy who turned 18 last week. We lined up with the strongest team we had.
“We don’t take into account what age they are. Kevin brings quality and energy. We are very impressed by him.”
With Piers Morgan alleging that Viktor Gyokeres is unhappy in north London as a result of the way he was treated in the summer, Arteta may need to bring in a new striker sooner rather than later, and the Swedish starlet’s versatility is an added bonus.
|
Viktor Gyokeres’ first season at Arsenal |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
Premier League |
36 |
14 |
|
Champions League |
13 |
5 |
|
FA Cup |
2 |
1 |
|
EFL Cup |
4 |
1 |
Arsenal enter contention to sign Kevin Filling
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Filling, with the young striker also being targeted by the likes of Liverpool, Juventus and Chelsea.
The AIK marksman is regarded as a ‘project signing’, rather than someone capable of making an immediate impact, but there is a feeling he would be ideal for Arteta, given the manager’s preference for versatile forwards.
Even though the 2008-born forward is still inexperienced and yet to prove himself outside Sweden, he has been valued at €25m (£21.5m), so a relatively large outlay may be needed to secure his signature.
