According to The Sun, Arsenal are set to battle it out with Manchester United in the race to sign Dejan Kulusevski. The Atalanta attacker has emerged as the latest target for the Gunners as they aim to add reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window. However, Kulusevski won’t come cheap, with Parma valuing him at around £40 million.
A star in the making
Kulusevski has been one of the rising stars in Serie A this season, after moving to Parma in a season-long loan deal from Atalanta in the summer. He has quickly become a first-team regular for the Parmigiani, having already mustered 993 minutes of league football, during which he has been involved in seven goals.
Kulusevski’s contributions in the final third have been critical behind Parma’s impressive start to the season. They are already flying high with 17 points on the board, meaning they are leading Italian giants like Fiorentina, Udinese and AC Milan in the Serie A table.
What can he bring to the table?
Despite being advertised as a right-winger, Kulusevski loves to cut inside and operate from a more central area of the pitch. So it’s needless to say that the Swede is perfectly capable of featuring as a number ten. Unlike a typical winger, he often relies on his vision and awareness to create opportunities in the final third. He is always on the lookout for that through pass in behind the defence.
Kulusevski is not a prolific attacker by any means. But, his ability to create chances is what makes him an appealing target for any top club. As a matter of fact, the 19-year-old has delivered 31 key passes – a tally bettered by only three players in Serie A so far this campaign.
Is Kulusevski a viable target for Arsenal?
Arsenal would certainly welcome the addition of a new attacker, with Mesut Ozil facing an uncertain future at the club and marquee signing Nicolas Pepe facing his own difficulties. But, it perhaps wouldn’t be wise for the Gunners to invest in an experienced talent like Kulusevski, especially when they have other areas on the pitch they would need to address in January.
Buying a new centre-back, for example, should be the utmost priority right now. As for the offensive department, instead of going after Kulusevski, they should settle for a proven star like Mario Gotze, who will add more variety not only in attack but also in midfield.
Besides, it’s unlikely Arsenal will be able to sign Kulusevski anyway, with Inter Milan reportedly leading the chase.
