Arsenal face competition in January battle for Le Havre prodigy

It’s fair to say the summer transfer window didn’t go to plan for Arsenal. However, Arsene Wenger could be set to strengthen his defensive ranks in January. The target in question? Le Havre’s highly-rated Harold Moukoudi.

Despite his tender years, the 19-year-old has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet for Les Ciel et Marine.

Moukoudi has started every game this term at centre-back, helping the Ligue 2 side chalk up five clean sheets in the process.

That’s naturally lead to interest from a number of clubs, with Arsenal one of a quartet of sides keen on his signature. As it stands, they’re 5/4 favourites to sign the player.

If the Gunners are to launch a firm bid in January, they would surely be able to beat off fellow suitors Nantes and Bordeaux (each 4/1).

However, with upwardly-mobile Bundesliga side RB Leipzig (3/1) also keen, the offer of Champions League football with the German club could prove tough to refuse.

With less than two years left on his contract at Le Havre, Transfermarkt.co.uk estimate the former France Under-18 international’s market value at just £180k.

If Wenger can secure his services for such a tiny fee, it would prove an absolute steal in today’s market.

For the current Arsenal crop, all the focus is on tonight’s meeting with West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates. It’s 1/3 for a home win, while it’s 23/20 the Gunners win to nil for the third time in four meetings.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing