Transfer insider says Arsenal attempted last-gasp move for winger who’d have worked ‘very well’ with Saka

Tue 6 September 2022 19:15, UK Updated Tue 6 September 2022 21:28, UK

Arsenal made a last-ditch attempt to try and get Noa Lang to the Emirates Stadium on deadline day, according to Rudy Galetti.

The transfer insider, writing on , provided an update on the Gunners’ late push for a winger.

Arsenal enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window for the most part, making five signings.

However, the Gunners failed to get any late additions over the line before the window shut last Thursday night.

Numerous reports doing the rounds suggested Arsenal were eyeing a new midfielder and/or a new winger.

One of those was Mykhaylo Mudryk, but negotiations between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk fell through.

The Gunners were reportedly hoping to strike a £30m deal, while the Ukrainian club was after around £43m.

Arsenal then turned their attentions to other wingers, including Lang, wrote Galetti.

“The British club decided not to raise (their offer for Mudryk) and went for other last-minute names, including Noa Lang,” he said.

“For the Club Brugge player, who seemed very close to AC Milan in June, the time to strike up a concrete negotiation was too short.

“And so Arsenal just remained as it is, without an alternative as a winger, but with a splendid first place in the Premier League.”

Arsenal target Lang – factfile

Lang would’ve been a good shout for Arsenal, a young, talented and versatile player with a high ceiling.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international has featured in in midfield and up front in his career.

Most of his appearances have come at left-wing (91).

However, he has also played 30 times as a centre-forward or second striker.

Lang has also played 28 times in central midfield, 20 times as a No. 10, and 30 times on the right wing.

He has made 91 appearances for Brugge, registering 27 goals and 27 assists.

Lang has also won five caps for the Netherlands.

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.”