MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 22: Alassane Plea of Borussia Monchengladbach misses a penalty during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Borussia-Park on February 22, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Arsenal keeping an eye on Gladbach forward Plea

May 19, 2020

Arsenal are keeping an eye on Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Alassane Plea, along with other Premier League clubs, according to reports in Germany.

Moenchengladbach's French forward Alassane Plea reacts as he celebrates a goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Moenchengladbach v Mainz 05 in Moenchengladbach on January 25, 2020. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) — Moenchengladbach’s French forward Alassane Plea celebrates a goal on January 25, 2020. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Bild report that Arsenal scouts are keeping an eye on Alassane Plea, with Gladbach directors accepting they may have to sell for a decent fee.

When Plea moved to Germany in 2018, he admits he had offers from the Premier League. At the time, he thought the Bundesliga was the best next step for him, but plenty of clubs in England are reportedly considering trying to get him to take another.

As well as Arsenal, Manchester United, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur “in particular” are watching the 27-year-old.

Plea is having a good season with his current club, scoring nine and assisting seven in 23 Bundesliga appearances. With him as a starter, Gladbach are strong top-four contenders and could even make a run for the title in the final eight games.

Playing behind-closed-doors isn’t hurting them either, with two wins from two. Plea scored in a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend.

As mentioned, Gladbach may well sell for a fair offer this summer, given their current financial situation. However, the bid would need to be between €35m and €40m.

Right now, it’s certainly hard to imagine Arsenal spending that much money this window. Perhaps if Alexandre Lacazette or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for a similar fee. Otherwise, this is another transfer long-shot.