Joe Cole has tipped Arsenal to make a shock transfer move for a former Chelsea player.
Mikel Arteta is expected to strengthen his Arsenal squad this summer after likely falling short in a third successive title race.
Arteta will look to bring in a new striker and possibly another winger given Arsenal’s issues in those positions during the 2024-25 campaign.
Cole would not be surprised if Arsenal launched a shock move for ex-Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi to bolster Arteta’s options on the flanks.
Hudson-Odoi made over 100 appearances for Chelsea after coming through the Stamford Bridge academy.
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At one point he was one of the most highly-rated young players in the Premier League – being linked with a big-money move to Bayern Munich – but regular starts alluded him during his final season at Chelsea.
Hudson-Odoi rediscovered his form during a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen and has continued to impress over the past two years at his current club Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old has helped Forest climb to third in the Premier League this season and be on the verge of Champions League qualification.
Cole says other clubs may well be starting to take note of Hudson-Odoi’s form but believes he should stay put given ‘something special is happening’ at Nottingham Forest.
‘I’ve been so happy for him,’ Cole said on The Dressing Room podcast. ‘He had a really bad injury and it took him while to get back to where he is now.
‘He feels like he can drive past players again. You know what my advice to him would be? There might be some big clubs sniffing around for him but he’s playing football and is happy and enjoying himself.
‘There might be big clubs in stature like Arsenal or Man City having a look. But look at what you’ve got right now.
‘There’s something special happening at Forest and when you’re playing and you’re happy it’s massive.’
Ex-Premier League striker Carlton Cole added: ‘How good has Callum been this season by the way? He’s been unbelievable.
‘I’m so happy with him. Callum is a great kid man, he’s a really lovely boy. He did get a lot too soon probably at Chelsea but that was the price to keep him because he’s that good and Bayern Munich wanted him.
‘He’s one of the best products the academy has produced, it’s as simple as that.
‘I’m happy he’s playing with a smile on his face again, without that pressure of being at a massive club and the expectations that come with that.
‘People are expecting a lot from you and you’re still developing. It was hard for him but he’s in a nice little unit now and is growing again.
‘He’s going to go from strength to strength. He could be a legend at Forest if they get in the Champions League.’
Nottingham Forest boosted their top-four hopes with a thumping 4-2 with over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Brighton after the international break for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
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