Arsenal have struggled this season and failed to make the most of key opportunities to catch up with current Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners have drawn their last two games against Fulham, who have impressed this season, and Everton, who are struggling to avoid relegation, and find themselves Six points behind the Reds.
It’s certainly been a frustrating period for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have yet to really find their rhythm in recent weeks. They were almost too focused on set pieces and struggled to create many chances from the air.
This is a real problem for Arteta and his coaching staff, but perhaps another striker is needed in addition to Kai Havertz, and someone has been linked with one ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal targets Serie A striker
The player in question here is Juventus center Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker has impressed for the Old Lady this season and is now linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in January.
At least, that’s According to CaughtOffsidewho stated that Arsenal believe Vlahovic “would be the perfect striker for Arteta’s current squad” and that they are “prepared to make a move for the striker”.
However, they are not the only ones chasing the Serbs. Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all interested, as is Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.
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In terms of the 24-year-old striker’s worth, a report from CaughtOffside suggests he is worth over £58 million. This would make him the fourth most expensive signing in the Gunners’ history, According to the transfer market.
Why Vlahovic would be a good signing
Although it is an expensive investment for the Gunners, there is no doubt what Vlahovic can bring to their team; goals. It’s something they’ve struggled with this season, scoring 29 times and having an expected goals against of 34.24xG, a total of 5.24 fewer goals than the target team. According to Understat.
Fortunately for Arteta’s side, Vlahovic has the scoring skills and could be the man to help solve their problems. He has 11 goals from 19 games This season’s Serie A and Champions League, More than any Arsenal Players across competitions.
He recently scored a goal against Manchester City at the Allianz Arena, helping Manchester City win 2-0. It was exactly the kind of goal that Arsenal fans love, with a striker fighting for the ball in the penalty area, winning a header and shooting home. A proper center finisher.
Comparisons can certainly be drawn between Vlahovic and his Manchester City counterpart Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has been the bane of Arsenal’s problems over the past few seasons as they have failed to beat a dominant City Citizens in the title race. He has scored 76 Premier League goals In just 81 games So far.
With that in mind, they might bring in a striker Statistically similar to the city ranked ninth on FBref. First of all, it is worth noting that Juventus has played 90 minutes this season equivalent to 12.8 minutes, while Haaland has played slightly more, with 15 90-minute games.
In terms of expected goals per 90 minutes, the two are very close. Vlahovic averages 0.72 xG per game, and Haaland is slightly higher at 0.86 xG. Arsenal may need someone who can create chances out of thin air. Juventus forwards create 1.95 shots per game, while Manchester City centers create slightly more, with 2 shots per game.
Comparison of key statistics between Vlahovic and Haaland | ||
|---|---|---|
State (per 90 people) | Vlahovich | Haaland |
Target | 0.55 | 0.87 |
Goals per shot | 0.21 | 0.33 |
lens | 3.51 | 4.54 |
expected goals | 0.72 | 0.86 |
Shot creation actions | 1.95 | 2 |
Statistics come from FB reference | ||
Signing Vlahovic could be just what Arteta’s side need to turn their season around. They will be desperate to chase points off Liverpool and catch Arne Slott’s side, with a striker described as “terrible” Author: Football Statistician Statman Davecould be the man to help them reach the top of the Premier League.
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