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Sat. Oct 5th, 2024

Are Arsenal really interested in the Bayern Munich winger being told he can leave?

Are Arsenal really interested in the Bayern Munich winger being told he can leave?

Are Arsenal really interested in the Bayern Munich winger being told he can leave?

Arsenal’s interest in Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman appears to have cooled, despite earlier reports linking the Gunners with a potential move.

According to a recent article from L’Équipe, while Coman is set to leave Bayern Munich, Arsenal are no longer chasing the France international.

This change in focus has left the door open for Coman to consider a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal reportedly making a lucrative offer.

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 20: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the pre-season friendly match between FC Bayern Munich and Grashoppers Zürich at FCB Campus on August 20, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 20: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Muenchen looks on during the pre-season friendly match between FC Bayern Munich and Grashoppers Zürich at FCB Campus on August 20, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Coman, who has played for Bayern Munich since 2015, is reportedly no longer in the club’s long-term plans.

The 28-year-old winger, who won eight Bundesliga titles with the German giants, now faces the prospect of an exit after the club began exploring options to offload him.

Sources close to Bayern have revealed that the club have been quietly testing the market for Coman in recent weeks, assessing interest from top European clubs including Arsenal.

However, Arsenal’s stance on the player has changed, with L’Équipe stating that north London is no longer actively pursuing him.

ULM, GERMANY - AUGUST 16: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich plays the ball during the DFB-Pokal match between SSV Ulm 1846 and FC Bayern Munich at Donaustadion on August 16, 2024 in Ulm, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)ULM, GERMANY - AUGUST 16: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich plays the ball during the DFB-Pokal match between SSV Ulm 1846 and FC Bayern Munich at Donaustadion on August 16, 2024 in Ulm, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

ULM, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Kingsley Coman of FC Bayern Munich plays the ball during the DFB-Pokal match between SSV Ulm 1846 and FC Bayern Munich at Donaustadion on August 16, 2024 in Ulm, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

At the start of the summer, Coman was linked with a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. His desire to experience English football is well-known, having expressed this ambition in previous transfer windows.

However, questions over his injury history and consistency appear to have tempered Arsenal’s interest. The club instead focused on strengthening other areas of the squad and decided not to advance talks for the Bayern winger.

Coman’s situation at Bayern has become increasingly untenable, especially after a frustrating Euro 2024 campaign with France, where he saw limited playing time.

The winger’s discomfort with Bayern’s management, coupled with the club’s openness to parting ways with some of their biggest earners, has led to a mutual desire for change.

Coman has told close friends he will only leave for a “challenging and interesting project”, questioning a move to Saudi Arabia, but recent developments suggest he is now seriously considering the financial appeal of a move to Al-Hilal .

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich is substituted following an injury during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and 1. FC Köln at Allianz Arena on April 13, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Kingsley Coman of Bayern Munich is substituted following an injury during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and 1. FC Köln at Allianz Arena on April 13, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

If the deal goes through, Coman would join former Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly in the Saudi Pro League. Although Coman has long been seen as a player destined for the Premier League, it seems those ambitions may be put aside for a significant payday in the Middle East.

From Arsenal’s perspective, the decision to back out of any pursuit of Coman is in line with their recent transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu.

The Gunners have shown restraint in the market, targeting younger, more durable players who fit Arteta’s tactical vision. Concerns about Coman’s fitness and his ability to maintain a high level during a grueling Premier League season likely played a part in Arsenal’s withdrawal from the chase.

As things stand, Arsenal will not be pursuing talks for Coman and any faint hopes of seeing the Frenchman in the red and white of Arsenal this season appear to have been dashed.

For Coman, the next few days will be crucial to determine if he opts for a move to Saudi Arabia or if a surprise competitor emerges at the last minute.

With just days left in the transfer window, it is clear that Arsenal have shifted their priorities elsewhere, leaving Coman’s future uncertain as they weigh up their options away from the Allianz Arena.

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