Arsenal are still hot on the heels of Benfica starlet, Andrija Živković according to reports emerging from Portugal. Arsene Wenger has been monitoring the 21-year-old for some time now. He sent his scouts to watch Živković take the pitch in the Primeira Liga clash with Maritimo on Saturday.
The Serbian attacker is capable of playing as a number nine but is best suited to the right wing. He has racked up 3 goals and 5 assists in 23 appearances this season and Wenger is determined to land the attacker’s signature.
Živković started his professional career with FK Partizan and went on to make his senior team debut on 28 April 2013. After making 93 total appearances for the Serbian outfit, he was signed by Benfica in the summer of 2016 on a five-year deal. He is the youngest player to make a senior team appearance for the Serbian national team aged 17. He was an integral part of the U20 national team and led his side to win the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup.
He is a young prodigy who is aiming for indicatively aiming for bigger and better things. Wenger could capitalize on Živković’s future promise if the transfer is made early in his playing career. The Frenchman hardly has a winger in a team with Alex Iwobi being utilised as a makeshift option.
The Nigerian is also developing into a complete player and is better suited to the attacking midfield role. His high ball dominant play along with a lack of pace makes him ineffective on the flanks, something Živković might be able to deliver.
The Gunners are coming off an aggregate 5-1 win over AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League Round Of 16 stage.
Their ambitions of improving upon their 6th place finish might just already be dead and the Europa League seems to be their only way of making it back into the Champions League. Wenger still has to figure a deal for Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere with both their contracts coming to an end fast.
Živković is a promising young player who in today’s market will cost a significant amount. Wenger will have to work with his current squad while still trying to sign the Serbian to a lucrative deal.
Arsenal’s attack might not be the strongest without a pacey presence to spread the floor. Živković is the ideal choice to fill in the meteoric gap left by Alexis Sanchez and somehow bring some order to the club’s recent woes.
