The January transfer window may be closed, but transfer rumours continue to swirl. This time, Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly find themselves locked in a £5 million battle for Espanyol’s striker, Martin Braithwaite.

At 32, Braithwaite boasts a solid track record. He was the top scorer in Spain’s Segunda Division last season, netting 11 goals in various competitions, although that is certainly some distance from the standard required in the Premier League. Now available for a reported £5 million, he apparently presents a tempting option for both Premier League giants.

With Gabriel Jesus struggling to find consistent form and fitness, Arsenal are actively seeking a striker who can deliver but Braithwaite seems far from what the fanbase is expecting. Braithwaite’s experience and goalscoring prowess could potentially fill that void but it seems highly unlikely.

The chance to join either Arsenal or Chelsea is undoubtedly attractive for the Denmark international. Playing in the Premier League for a prestigious club would be a significant step up in his career but would he be what Arsenal need?

It seems highly unlikely.

It might have made some sense during January in terms of getting a body in, but with the window now closed, I can’t for the life of me work out why this rumour has resurfaced.