Report: Arsenal the most likely side to sign £33m forward who’d shine alongside Saka

Wed 2 March 2022 18:15, UK

Arsenal are eyeing Noa Lang, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta a big fan of the Club Brugge forward.

This is according to , who believes Arsenal are up against Leicester in the race to sign Lang.

The 22-year-old is a versatile player who has featured in in midfield and up front in his career.

Most of his appearances have come at left-wing, but he has also played 19 times as a centre-forward or second striker.

Lang has also played 29 times in central midfield, 17 times as a No. 10, and 27 times on the right wing.

The Netherlands international has been on the rise this season, attracting the attention of top European clubs.

Lang has registered six goals and 11 assists from just 26 Belgian top-flight appearances this term.

He also has a Champions League assist this term, plus two goals in the Belgian Cup and Supercup.

According to Jeunes Footeux, Arsenal have been watching Lang for several months.

The Dutchman’s profile is ‘very popular’ with Arteta, and the Gunners are ‘especially’ keen on him.

The outlet also claims Brugge could want 35 to 40 million euros (£29m to £33m) for Lang.

At present, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are lining up for Arsenal on the left wing.

However, Smith Rowe’s main role is at No. 10, while Arteta could potentially turn Martinelli into a centre-forward.

In this case, the Gunners would need someone else at left wing, and Lang would certainly fit the bill.

“Good combination with Saka”

Last year, sports journalist and Club Brugge watcher Bart Lagae tipped the former Ajax ace to shine for Arsenal.

He reckons Lang would be superb playing in a front three featuring Bukayo Saka and a centre-forward.

Lagae also feels the Brugge gem could also play on the right, deeming “better” than Nicolas Pepe.

“I think for Arsenal he [Lang] can play on both wings,” Lagae told ‘s The Arsenal Way.

“For instance, on the right, in Nicolas Pepe’s position.

“I would say he is even more focused on the goal and assisting than Pepe. He is probably a better player.

“He can have a good combination with Saka. Saka the player making runs and Lang the passer.

“Lang doesn’t go deep without the ball; he always asks for the ball.

“So, I think having him in combination with Saka and a striker… would work very well.”