£20m-rated Arsenal target admits regret at not securing summer move

Genk striker Paul Onuachu is keen to secure a move away from the club amid reports that he is valued at £20m and that Arsenal are interested in him.

The Nigeria international joined Genk in 2019 from Danish side Midtjylland. He enjoyed a superb season last year as he scored 35 times from his 41 appearances across all competitions in Belgium.

His fine form has continued this term as he has nine goals from just eight appearances in the Belgian Pro League.

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In July, The Athletic reported that Arsenal were interested in the 27-year-old. They added that he is valued at around £20m.

As reported by Voetbal Krant, Onuachu has suggested that he expected to leave Genk during the summer:

“I’m not going to lie about it, I had expected to train at Genk for a few more weeks after the holidays and then leave for a new club.

“I was waiting, waiting and waiting. In the end, nothing came. I can do nothing more to secure a transfer.

“The football world is not always fair. In addition, many clubs are currently not having an easy time financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Have new agreements been made in the meantime (that I will be allowed to leave in 2022)? Genk will co-operate if an offer is made that all parties agree with.”

Back in July, Onuacho’s agent told Own Goal Nigeria that the player is a “boyhood fan” of Arsenal:

“It will be nice if Arsenal want him as he is a boyhood fan of the team, but that is not the case at the moment.

“No contact has been made yet. We are only seeing it in the papers and on the internet.”

Elsewhere, Matteo Guendouzi has suggested that he is at happiest currently with Marseille:

“Before coming to Marseille, I had a few choices. The speeches of Pablo Longoria, the president, and [Jorge] Sampaoli convinced me. I immediately said I want Marseille,’” Guendouzi said.

“It’s the biggest French club, the one who has won the Champions League, there’s a great history. There’s the strongest crowd in the country, and maybe continent.

“All these things confirmed my choice. I like playing in a full stadium when at home. I like to feel the true love from the fans for this club.

“That’s what I found here. I haven’t been this happy since the start of my career.”