High-flying Arsenal have emerged as one of the prime title contenders in recent weeks scripting nine successive wins in all competitions following back to back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea. They were considered the least possible threat among Premier League’s ‘big six’, but the ‘underdog’ label seems to have worked in favour of Unai Emery, the new Gunners boss, who had a monumental task in meeting the standards set by iconic Arsene Wenger before his egress.
Arsenal had a productive summer with some shrewd and effective transfer business but are rumoured to splash the cash in winter to acquire Cengiz Under, the 21-year-old AS Roma winger who is valued at £52m and also being monitored by Bayern Munich as per reports.
The Turkish sensation completed a €13.4m switch to Rome from Istanbul following one successful season with Super Lig side Başakşehir. The wide attacker was lined up as Mohamed Salah’s alternative who left for Liverpool but failed to create an impact similar to the Egyptian despite notching eight goals and assisting twice in 32 games altogether.
The Crescent-Stars international, though prefers to operate from the right flank, fits in down the left wing as well as in a ‘number 10’ role. The attacker offers versatility high up the pitch, but the Gunners must analyse his game minutely before gambling on the youngster.
Under has impressive shooting traits but lacks the composure and tidiness yet in his game to attain the success of the highest order. He gives away possession far too quickly and is not up to the mark with his passing skills. The young starlet also does not help the defence by tracking back to cover the fullback when in need. Despite his efforts to inject pace, swift footwork, cut insides from the flank to threaten opponents backline, Under needs to improve his overall game.
Arsenal, meanwhile, already have ample options in their attacking third who are bagging goals week in week out. The likes of Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Danny Welbeck and also Alex Iwobi have been majestic down the flanks leaving little room for Under to break into the starting XI for now.
The Gunners, however, are likely to part ways with Danny Welbeck whose contract runs out next year. Veteran Mesut Ozil, the former Germany international, has entered in his thirties and might require a long-term successor. Mkhitaryan slots better in a central attacking role whereas Iwobi is more suited down the left similar to Aubameyang.
Under, predominantly left-footed is a prolific right winger but must develop his game to fit in Arsenal’s system. Emery does not have a crisis upfront but needs to concentrate on the defensive line that requires reinforcements to maintain their relevance in the title battle. The money, therefore, should be spent wisely like it was done in the summer and Cengiz Under, in spite of all his talent, is a risk best avoided by the North Londoners.
