Arsenal look set to be busy after the World Cup as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s playing squad with a couple of additions.
The Gunners are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League standings, losing just one of their 14 matches, and hold a comfortable five-point cushion over defending champions Manchester City, who sold two of their key protagonists to Pep Guardiola’s former assistant in the summer.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped the title-winners for the English capital and given the success that they have both had thus far, it’s hard to imagine the Citizens letting anyone else follow suit.
That said, the north London giants could still sign their very own Riyad Mahrez – another player that Arteta knows very well from his time at the Etihad Stadium – in the form of Toulouse teenager Fares Chaibi.
Is Chaibi a good signing to make in January?
YES!
NO!
According to Foot Mercato this week, the 19-year-old dynamo is of interest to Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window as he has caught the eye in Ligue 1 in what appears to be his breakthrough campaign.
Despite only starting nine of his 13 appearances, Chaibi has delivered two goals and four assists, including eye-catching contributions against the likes of Lille and Montpellier. He has also featured in a multitude of positions, ranging from both flanks to central midfield and even up front.
The soon-to-be 20-year-old appears to be a relentless presence in the final third as when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks within the top 7% for assists per 90 (0.43), as well as inside the top 10% for aerial duels won (1.51), interceptions (0.97) and blocks (1.62) per 90.
Also via FBref, there are similarities between his statistical profile and that of current Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli. However, Arteta could well have his very own Mahrez, given they were both born in France but are eligible to represent Algeria and possess incredibly “versatile” and technical ability.
The Man City star also came to the Premier League from France, joining Leicester City after progressing through the Le Harve academy – famous for producing many a top talent – back in 2014.
Given the desperate need to add strength in depth to bolster Arteta’s side and their title hopes, Edu must consider making an early January move for Chaibi – who has also been dubbed a “revelation” and an “outstanding player” in very recent times – as he could become a Mahrez-like sensation at the Emirates Stadium for many years to come and that’ll only bolster their silverware credentials immensely.
AND in other news, Arsenal “planning” to revive £30m deal for “long-term target”, it’d be a “shrewd” move from Edu…
