Arsenal are reportedly looking into a deal for Metz striker Georges Mikautadze with Premier League newcomers Burnley also admirers.
Whatever you do, don’t call it a ‘Golden Generation’.
As fans of England and Belgium will tell you, such a term almost invites disaster. Like shouting out ‘MacBeth’ in the dressing room before a Broadway show.
But there’s no getting away from the fact that this is an exciting time for fans of the Georgian national team. Napoli winger Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, arguably European football’s breakout talent for 2022/23, plies his trade for a side sitting 77th in the FIFA World Rankings, between Bulgaria and Israel.
There’s Giorgi Mamardashvili too; the highly-rated Valencia goalkeeper.
And keep an eye on Mikautadze. A player who, after winning Ligue 2’s Golden Boot and it’s Player of the Year award, is almost certain to be on his way out despite firing Metz to promotion back to the top-flight.
Arsenal join Georges Mikautadze
Champions League semi-finalists AC Milan submitted a bid recently. Albeit one which fell well short of Metz’s demands.
Wolves and long-time admirers Burnley are, however, ready to meet the £17 million asking price, according to Le10 Sport. Burnley boss Vincent Kompany confirmed his interest in the France-born 22-year-old last summer. Now, he has the financial firepower to step up his pursuit.
Do not rule out a surprise move from Arsenal either.
Gazzetta dello Sport believe that Mikel Arteta’s Premier League runners-up are ‘thinking’ about Mikautadze, alongside a number of Serie A sides.
Mikautadze feels both affordable and attainable as far as Arsenal are concerned. And for all of the Gunners’ strengths, they are not exactly overloaded with reliable centre-forwards.
Folarin Balogun could be sold despite an outstanding loan spell at Reims. Thus, leaving Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah (15 Premier League goals last season between them) as Arteta’s only options for the number nine spot.
Mikautadze is not the finished article. But he is the kind of hungry up-and-comer Arsenal have largely prioritised since the appointments of Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar.
