Are Arsenal really interested in Bayern Munich winger told he can leave? | OneFootball

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 poised to leave Bayern Munich, Arsenal are no longer pursuing the French international.

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

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

Coman, who has been a fixture at Bayern Munich since 2015, is reportedly no longer in the club’s long-term plans.

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

Sources close to Bayern revealed that the club discreetly tested the market for Coman in recent weeks, gauging interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal.

However, Arsenal’s stance on the player has shifted, with L’Équipe stating that the North London side are no longer actively pursuing him.

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

Earlier in the summer, Coman was linked with several Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool. His desire to experience English football is well known, having expressed this ambition during previous transfer windows.

However, questions around his injury history and consistency seem to have tempered Arsenal’s interest. The club has instead focused on reinforcing other areas of the squad and has decided against advancing discussions for the Bayern winger.

Coman’s situation at Bayern has become increasingly untenable, particularly 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 higher earners, has led to a mutual desire for a change.

Coman reportedly told close friends that he would only leave for a “challenging and interesting project,” casting doubt over a move to Saudi Arabia, but recent developments suggest that he is now seriously considering the financial allure of a move to Al-Hilal.

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

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

From Arsenal’s perspective, the decision to withdraw from any pursuit of Coman is consistent 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 over a gruelling Premier League season likely played a part in Arsenal stepping back from the chase.

As things stand, Arsenal will not be pursuing further discussions for Coman, and any faint hopes of seeing the Frenchman in the red and white of Arsenal this season seem to be dashed.

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

With just a few days remaining in the transfer window, it’s clear that Arsenal have shifted their priorities elsewhere, leaving Coman’s future uncertain as he weighs his options away from the Allianz Arena.