Emmanuel Eboue is holding out faint hope Arsenal can prise Khvicha Kvaratskhelia away from Paris Saint-Germain once the dust on the Champions League final settles.
The Gunners are in the final of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time in 20 years but defending champions PSG stand in their way tomorrow night in Budapest.
While Luis Enrique’s side has standout talent in every position, Kvaratskhelia perhaps poses the biggest threat down the left.
The Georgian sensation has cemented his status as one of the best wingers in world football in his season-and-a-half at in the French capital.
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The left wing is an area of the pitch Arsenal are eager to strengthen this summer with Kvaratskhelia regarded as a dream signing at the Emirates.
Winning their first Premier League title in 22 years makes Arsenal one of the top destinations for any player on the move this summer. A first Champions League title would only heighten the Gunners’ ability to draw the game’s elite names to north London.
Eboue, who started last time Arsenal were on this European stage against Barcelona in 2006, admits it would be a hugely difficult task convincing PSG to part with one of their most prized assets. But should the Gunners return to the capital with more silverware, it could be possible, says the Ivorian.
‘Do you think PSG will let him go? I don’t think so,’ Eboue told Metro via BetMGM.
‘This player is amazing. I don’t know why he stayed so long at Napoli, he is such a good player and you can see why. He is always showing it on the big stage.
‘If he were to go to Arsenal after thew final I would be happy but it will be difficult for PSG to let him go. But if they [Arsenal] win the game, let’s see.’
Arsenal are hoping to have their first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber back to do battle with Kvaratskhelia. The Dutchman has been sidelined with a groin injury since March, missing his side’s last 14 games, but did return to first-team training on Wednesday.
While his availability would serve as a huge boost, Eboue is wary of Timber being thrown straight back in after such a long spell out.
‘Timber will want to play,’ Eboue told Metro. ‘As a player, your dream is to play the Champions League final. I think for him, he will want 100 per cent want to start.
‘But he has not played for a long time. He has to wait a little bit then we can see. The PSG team, they are so strong and so fast so I think it is better for Arteta to leave him on the bench.’