Patrick Vieira is a participant who will endlessly stay a membership legend at Arsenal soccer membership after his contributions throughout his close to decade as a first-team star in North London.
The Frenchman joined the Gunners as an unknown amount to many after his unsuccessful stint with AC Milan, however would find yourself changing into considered one of their best-ever midfielders – profitable limitless trophies alongside the way in which.
He would solely value £3.5m throughout the summer time of 1996, making a complete of 405 appearances at Highbury, earlier than becoming a member of Juventus in 2005 for £13.75m – banking a revenue of over £10m for the hierarchy.
Nevertheless, regardless of the monetary facet, it was his performances on the sphere that noticed the largest profit, with Vieira taking part in an enormous function in profitable 4 FA Cups and three Premier League titles throughout his interval within the capital underneath Arsène Wenger.
Quick-forward practically 20 years on from his departure, the hierarchy have the chance to land one other Frenchman who may observe within the footsteps of the fan favorite ought to they win the race for his companies.
Arsenal battling European giants for French star
In line with TBR, Arsenal scouts have been monitoring the progress of 17-year-old Lille star Ayyoub Bouaddi forward of a possible transfer to the Emirates within the close to future.
The teen, who already options for the France U21 facet, additionally has admirers from the likes of Liverpool, Actual Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich with an enormous battle for his signature set to happen.
Nevertheless, given his age, he might be unable to make the transfer till he turns 18, with Bouaddi unable to make any transfer to hitch Mikel Arteta’s facet till October 2025 on the very earliest.
It might be a very long time to attend, however it will definitely be worthwhile, with the feeling already making 12 Ligue 1 appearances in 2024/25 to this point regardless of his tender age – even making 5 begins within the Champions League – an actual sign of his spectacular qualities.
While his skills may see him emulate the success of compatriot Vieira in North London, he may additionally bolster the figures of a present first-team star ought to any deal be agreed within the months forward.
Why Bouaddi could be good for Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has usually been considered one of Arteta’s shining lights in attacking areas throughout his tenure on the Emirates, struggling massively throughout the opening weeks of the season after the midfielder’s ankle harm.
Nevertheless, since his return to first-team motion, the Norwegian has already demonstrated his class, registering 4 assists and one aim, usually that includes in a deep-lying quantity eight function and working as extra of a box-to-box choice quite than a quantity 10.
Undoubtedly, he’s been a hit in such a place, however Bouaddi’s ball-winning and progressive potential may take a number of the defensive accountability off Odegaard’s shoulders, permitting the previous Actual Madrid star to create additional havoc within the last third.
Ayyoub Bouaddi’s stats for Lille in Ligue 1 (2024/25) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
Video games performed | 12 |
Minutes performed | 518 |
Move accuracy | 90% |
Progressive passes | 3.5 |
Profitable take-ons | 1.1 |
Passes into the ultimate third | 3.2 |
Tackles gained | 4 |
Interceptions made | 1.1 |
Stats through FBref | |
Although he’s solely 17 years of age, the Lille celebrity, who’s been dubbed a “10/10 expertise” by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, has accomplished 90% of his passes this marketing campaign, with 3.2 per 90 of which being into the ultimate third, handing Odegaard the ammunition to extend his tallies.
Alternatively, defensively is the place he’s excelled, profitable a mean of 4 tackles per 90, additionally finishing 1.1 interceptions – highlighting why he might be the modern-day Vieira for Arsenal if a deal might be struck.
There’s no denying that Arteta and his facet will face big competitors for his signature, however given his youth, he has the flexibility to construct on his already spectacular begin to life as an expert.
No price ticket has but been mooted for Bouaddi’s companies nevertheless it’s more likely to be cash effectively spent regardless, handing the Gunners one other shell of their armoury as they appear to finish their two-decade look ahead to a top-flight title.
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