According to Bristol Live journalist Gregor Macgregor, Arsenal are monitoring the development of Han-Noah Massengo. The Bristol City midfielder has attracted the interest of the Gunners’ scout, who are keeping tabs on him this season. While the journalist has iterated that the interest may not be concrete, he has suggested that he won’t be surprised if Arsenal do develop a real interest on Noah-Massengo.
Massengo’s spell at Bristol City
A former member of the Monaco youth academy, Noah Massengo initially moved to Bristol City in the summer. He was rated as one of the best talents in the Monaco youth department. As a result, the Championship outfit had to fork out a staggering €8 million. As a result, he became the second most expensive signing in the club’s history, just behind ex-Chelsea prodigy Tomas Kalas.
Either way, Massengo’s arrival was a big deal for Bristol. And though the Frenchman hasn’t necessarily made a considerable impact, he has become a vital member of the Bristol midfield. Indeed, the youngster has already notched up 642 minutes of league football, and his composure and skill in the middle of the park has been crucial as the Robins look to challenge for promotion this season.
What can he bring to the table?
Massengo’s style of play can be compared to Arsenal’s own midfield star Matteo Guendouzi. The Frenchman is an explosive central midfielder, who loves to sprint forward. He has admirable energy and loves to take on defenders. His quick-feet and excellent balance allows him to drift past defenders quite easily.
Massengo is also an excellent passer of the ball, notably attaining a pass completion rate of 81% this campaign. He can play quick one-twos as well as thread long passes onto the other end of the pitch. But most importantly, the 18-year-old has the awareness not to lose possession of the ball – making him a well rounded central midfielder.
Is Massengo a viable target for Arsenal?
What makes Massengo such an appealing target, Arsenal is his ability to ease the build-up play. The midfielder is blessed with high awareness and can evade the pressing lines of the opposition, potentially making him an upgrade over Granit Xhaka. It is, however, fair to point out that things are going to be a lot harder in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, the Gunners would definitely welcome the addition of someone like Massengo, who can fill the void left by Mohamed Elneny and to an extent, Aaron Ramsey. Therefore, he is indeed a viable target for Arsenal.
