Arsenal fear paying more for Club Brugge striker if deal waits until summer
Arsenal are reportedly concerned that waiting until the summer to sign Nicolo Tresoldi could end up costing the club significantly more, with the Club Brugge striker continuing to find the net on a regular basis.
The Germany Under-21 international has been one of the most productive forwards in European football over the past couple of seasons, and it came as something of a surprise that he did not leave Belgium during the last transfer window. Arsenal were said to be interested in a move at the time but ultimately chose not to make an approach, with several other leading clubs also tracking the striker.
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Instead of signing Tresoldi, Arsenal moved for his Club Brugge teammate Christos Tzolis last summer. Tzolis has made a strong impression since his arrival and has performed well whenever called upon, a factor that could now be encouraging the Gunners to look again at the Belgian club for reinforcements.
January move looks unlikely
There have been suggestions that Arsenal could try to get a deal for Tresoldi done in January, but that looks like a difficult task. Club Brugge are reluctant to sell such an important player midway through the season given his role in their plans, meaning the north London club may have to wait until the summer window to press ahead with any move.
That delay, however, is not without risk. The longer Arsenal wait, the more opportunity there is for the striker's form to attract further suitors.
Waiting could prove costly
According to Football Insider, Arsenal believe they could end up paying a higher fee for Tresoldi if they hold off until the summer. The club is reportedly aware that continued strong performances from the forward could draw interest from more clubs and make negotiations tougher.
Should Tresoldi keep scoring at his current rate, it would likely strengthen Club Brugge's hand in any negotiation and allow them to push for a larger fee as competition for his signature increases.
Arsenal therefore face something of a balancing act. A January approach is complicated by Club Brugge's unwillingness to sell a key player mid season, while delaying until summer risks a bidding war and a higher price tag. How Tresoldi performs between now and then is likely to play a major role in determining just how much interest, and competition, Arsenal will be up against.
For now, the situation remains one to monitor as the January window approaches, with Arsenal's business at Club Brugge over the past year suggesting the Belgian club remains firmly on their radar.
