Arsenal have been, under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, the perennial advocates of targeting relatively young talent and making shrewd moves in the transfer market to get hold of them. The Gunners always tend to take galloping strides to bag the blossoming starlets and one of the latest youngsters to have caught their attention, as per the reports, is Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Bakayoko is undergoing a scintillating season so far in Ligue 1 from his predominant central midfield role, registering 2.2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 0.1 blocks per game on an average in his 25 league outings and also has 2 goals and 1 assist to his name. Moreover, his excellent pass accuracy of 87% has earned Monaco a rapidly blossoming gladiator at the centre of the park who not only cushions the defence but also avails himself as an impetus for their attacking endeavours.
At the outset, it must be stated that he is a brand of player from whom one might not expect moments of glory to trick them into believing that he is a world-class player in the making, for he is someone who would keep contributing on and on without drawing much of the limelight.
He nullifies opponents’ attack with sheer ruthlessness, possesses a physique which makes him a fearsome destroyer and contents himself by catering to his defensive duties more often than not, and frankly speaking, Bakayoko would fit Arsenal’s requirements of a formidable holding midfielder with relative ease.
The London outfit aren’t renowned for being obsessed with shielding their backline and in their 4-2-3-1 formation, the 22-year-old would fit very nicely with someone like a Santi Cazorla or Granit Xhaka. With his aid, the attacking midfielders would be able to coax the best out of their offensive flamboyance, knowing that there is a presence of a reliable shield to break the counter-attacks of the opponents. In a nutshell, he is arguably the player for which Arsenal’s midfield is in the dire need of.
Wenger would have to break the bank for signing Bakayoko in light of recent transfer activities in which he has acted in stark contrast to the popular beliefs of him being a miser as well as the calibre which the former Rennes midfielder has put on his showcase so far this campaign, he would be a calculated investment.
If Arsenal manage to lure Bakayoko to the Emirates Stadium, it would help them in pursuit of imposing themselves as a genuine contender for the league silverware next season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored And Squawka.
