Arsenal may well be focusing their attention on one of the hottest properties in the Bundesliga. Said El-Mala, a 20-year-old winger from Cologne, has emerged as a leading candidate to address the ongoing concerns on the left side of Mikel Arteta's attack.
The Gunners attempted to secure Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior last summer, but a deal failed to materialise. As a result, the squad has primarily relied on Christos Tzolis, the only recognised left winger, who has endured injury troubles.
With Tzolis sidelined for several weeks due to a national team injury, Arteta has been forced into tactical experimentation. In recent matches, Noni Madueke filled that role against Leeds, while Eberechi Eze took on the position during the Champions League clash with Lille.
So far, Arsenal’s results have remained intact, but with a lengthy season ahead, they continue to weigh up potential reinforcements.
Who is Said El-Mala?
The 20-year-old is rapidly making a name for himself in German football. After debuting in the Bundesliga last season following performances in the third tier, he netted an impressive 13 goals for Cologne.
Interestingly, his former coach, Lukas Kwasniewski, was initially reluctant to make him a consistent starter.
This summer, El-Mala found himself at the centre of a transfer battle.
Brighton had long been monitoring him but ultimately balked at the asking price. Brentford entered the fray with a €55 million offer, which Cologne accepted.
However, El-Mala's preference was to move to Borussia Dortmund. The German giants agreed to meet the fee, but negotiations broke down over payment terms.
Consequently, El-Mala remained at Cologne, signing a new contract with improved wages and donning the legendary number 10 shirt, a number that had been vacant since Lukas Podolski’s departure in 2012.
Interestingly, Podolski left Cologne for Arsenal back then...
Why El-Mala fits Arsenal
The German winger boasts a powerful physique, blistering speed, and a gritty playing style. Standing at around 188 cm, he often resembles a central striker, though he prefers to operate on the left flank.
He consistently looks to outpace defenders and shoot at goal, although he needs to refine his decision-making, as he can sometimes become overly absorbed in individual plays.
This season, he’s already bagged two goals for Cologne and made his senior debut for the German national team during the recent international break.
According to analysts at SciSports, El-Mala’s potential exceeds the current level of most of Arsenal's attacking players, aside from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.
Cologne open to discussions about a sale
Despite his new deal, Cologne are open to the idea of parting ways with their rising star.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler confirmed to BILD that a suitable offer from a top club could change their stance.
Kessler stated:
If a top club calls us, we will certainly discuss a transfer. But for now, Said needs to understand how high his ceiling is. I have no doubt he can become a player of international calibre.
However, he emphasised that Cologne has no intention of selling in the winter transfer window.
Kessler added:
In football, you can never rule anything out completely. But I can clearly say: we are counting on Said until the end of the season.
He didn’t extend his contract just for fun. I currently have no reasons to consider his departure in January.
What's next?
Arsenal continue their search for a left-wing solution through to 2027. Earlier, Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig was mentioned as a possible target, but recent reports suggest the Norwegian is no longer a priority for the Gunners.
While El-Mala isn’t a confirmed target for Arsenal yet, he could present an enticing alternative to pricier stars.
This past summer, Cologne were ready to accept a €55 million bid. If the young talent continues to develop, his market value could skyrocket further.
A move for El-Mala would represent Arsenal investing in a player not just at the top of his game, but one with the potential to evolve into one of Europe's best wingers.
