Whereas the followers and staff could have their full consideration on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final subsequent week, the Arsenal board will already be planning for what may very well be a blockbuster summer time of switch enterprise.
Final yr, Mikel Arteta and Co shifted quite a lot of the membership’s undesirable gamers for good cash, however they did not actually strengthen the primary staff sufficient to maintain a profitable title problem this season.
It seems to be like it is going to be a completely totally different story this yr, with hyperlinks to top-level attackers like Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Nico Williams coming in from each path.
Nonetheless, whereas the frontline actually wants addressing, the midfield may very well be simply as necessary, and it looks like the membership agrees; a current report has touted one of the thrilling midfielders in world soccer for a transfer to the Emirates, a participant who may simply be capable of get the perfect again out of Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal’s midfield targets
Earlier than attending to the participant in query, it is price a few the opposite midfielders that Arsenal are stated to be taken with, equivalent to Hugo Larsson.
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Reportedly out there for round £51m, the Eintracht Frankfurt gem would undoubtedly be an funding for the longer term, however with revered analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “transitional monster” and evaluating him to a younger Jude Bellingham, he may simply be one price making.
Nonetheless, the much more probably acquisition would undoubtedly be Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish worldwide has lengthy been touted for a transfer to the Gunners, and primarily based on newer stories, it seems the membership themselves are assured of getting their man.
Nonetheless, maybe probably the most thrilling hyperlink of all of them has been to Frenkie de Jong.
In response to a current report from Spain, Arsenal at the moment are one in every of a number of Premier League sides within the Dutch worldwide.
Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis are additionally eager on the participant.
Whereas no value is talked about within the story, it’s stated that Barcelona are being compelled to contemplate promoting him as no progress has been made on his renewal.
It could be an extremely expensive and complex switch to recover from the road, however given his immense means, it is one price combating for, particularly as he might assist revive Odegaard.
Why De Jong can be excellent for Odegaard
So, if Arsenal are capable of get forward of the chasing pack and get their man, why would he be a super companion for Odegaard?
There are two key causes for this; the primary is his defensive qualities.
Whereas the Dutchman is now primarily an eight and would probably be a part of as such, he is received loads of expertise enjoying as a six – making 132 appearances there – and so, have been he to chip in with the defensive work alongside Declan Rice, that may permit the captain to focus all of his power and focus on the sharp finish of the pitch.
The second motive is that, on high of his defensive talents, the previous Ajax star is an extremely technical and gifted midfielder, with former supervisor Xavi going so far as describing him as “the most effective gamers on the planet.”
It is not laborious to see the place the Spanish legend is coming from both, because the 27-year-old’s underlying numbers are nothing wanting spectacular.
De Jong’s Scout Report | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics | Per 90 | Percentile |
Objectives per Shot | 0.25 | Prime 1% |
Go Completion | 94.0% | Prime 1% |
GCA from Take-Ons | 0.12 | Prime 1% |
Progressive Carrying Distance | 169.24 | Prime 1% |
Carries into the Last Third | 3.14 | Prime 1% |
Passes Accomplished | 78.36 | Prime 2% |
Purpose-Creating Actions (GCA) | 0.64 | Prime 2% |
GCA from Stay Passes | 0.52 | Prime 2% |
Passes into the Last Third | 9.72 | Prime 3% |
Stay Ball Passes | 81.56 | Prime 3% |
Carries | 57.65 | Prime 3% |
Touches | 90.29 | Prime 4% |
Progressive Passes | 7.62 | Prime 7% |
All Stats through FBref | ||
For instance, FBref locations him within the high 1% of midfielders in Europe’s high 5 leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for objectives per shot, go completion, goal-creating actions from take-ons, progressive carrying distance, carries into the ultimate third, the highest 2% for passes accomplished and goal-creating actions, the highest 3% for passes into the ultimate third and extra, all per 90.
So, simply think about a vastly skilled worldwide who at present captains Barça, who can affect the sport in virtually all areas of the pitch enjoying alongside the North Londoners’ quantity eight – he’d undoubtedly enhance as effectively.
In the end, it could be an advanced and dear switch to get achieved, however with how a lot of a distinction De Jong might make to Odegaard’s profession and Arsenal total, Arteta and Co should do what they’ll to get it achieved.
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