Arsenal have hurriedly recalled Nikolaj Moller who was on loan at German club Viktoria Koln. He was supposed to remain at the German club until the end of the 2021-2022 season but Arsenal had to trigger a clause in his loan deal to bring him back before the expiration of the loan deal.
Reports claimed that Nikolaj Moller had to be hurried back to Arsenal due to his fine goalscoring form at Viktoria Koln. The 19-year-old Swedish striker has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 13 games so far this season.
On the other hand, it is believed that Arsenal had to cut short Nikolaj Moller’s loan spell since the club’s former captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Gabon ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Gabonese striker could stay with his national team for over a month, hence, coach Mikel Arteta needs more attacking options.
Recall that before Aubameyang left Arsenal for the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon, coach Mikel Arteta sidelined him for breaching disciplinary protocol at the club.
There are reports that the club’s hierarchy plans to sell Aubameyang to any interested club due to the differences between him and coach Arteta which might not be addressed for a long time.
Recent reports claimed that Newcastle United are planning to lure the striker to their club this January for a loan deal which comes with an option for a permanent deal at the end of the season.
Hence, Nikolaj Moller could be a backup plan for Arsenal in case the club decides to allow Aubameyang to leave this January or next summer.
Since Moller arrived at Arsenal from the Malmo under-19 team on October 5, 2020, the Swedish youngster has not played for the Premier League senior team. He has been with Arsenal’s under-23 team since then before he went on loan to Viktoria Koln on July 26, 2021.
Now that Moller has returned to Arsenal, the 19-year-old Swedish striker is expected to play a part in the club’s campaign this season.
He is expected to be like Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka who gained promotion from Arsenal’s youth system to become two of the most important players in coach Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Nikolaj Moller would however have to battle with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal’s attack in the remaining months of this season. The good news for the Swedish youngster is that both Lacazette and Nketiah are in the last phase of their contract.
If Arsenal fail to extend Lacazette and Nketiah’s contract before next summer, the two forwards would leave the club for free. If that happens, Moller could become the main striker at the club.
