Monaco star Aleksandr Golovin has expressed his openness to joining a top European club this summer, with Arsenal among the potential suitors. Golovin, who has drawn comparisons to former Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin, has been on the Gunners’ radar since 2018.
Arshavin, a prominent figure in Russian football, believes Golovin has the talent to succeed in the Premier League.
The talented midfielder, once admired by legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is now being linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. Despite the Premier League title eluding them, Arsenal’s remarkable transformation under Arteta has seen them rise from eighth place three years ago to genuine title challengers, a feat that has caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.
Golovin acknowledges the strength of his current team at Monaco, which will compete in the Champions League in the 2024/25 season. However, he remains open to opportunities with top clubs, including PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Arsenal.
“I like where I am now,” Golovin said, “Even more than in previous years. We have the strongest [Monaco] team of all time, and the coach is also the most successful.
“So, right now, I’m not thinking about switching. But if you move, then only to top clubs. PSG, Manchester City, Real Madrid. I would also say Arsenal, because I have always had sympathy for this club.”
Golovin’s £26 million transfer from CSKA Moscow to Monaco after the 2018 World Cup has proven to be excellent value. Known for his creative play and long-range strikes, he has been likened to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and former Gunners playmaker Alex Hleb.
Hleb, who played under Wenger and reached the Champions League final in 2006, has urged Golovin to consider a move to North London.
Aleksandr has become one of the leaders of Monaco and plays good football. I liked him before [when still at CSKA]; fast, creative, sees the field well,” Hleb told Championat. “Every footballer wants to reach a higher level. I think that Aleksandr himself will decide where to move.
“If you want to grow, you must move forward. Monaco are a good European team, but they are not at the top. If there are offers from top clubs, then it’s time to move on and set higher goals for yourself. But you need to approach this wisely; go where the system suits your style.
“We need a team that plays beautiful combination football. And the main thing is that the coach wants to see you on the team and trusts you. We need to weigh up everything. Golovin would fit well into these teams. Barcelona and Arsenal football suits him.”
Previously, Golovin turned down Chelsea before joining Monaco and has also been a target for Newcastle United in past transfer windows.
