According to Bild, as cited by Football.London, Arsenal are one of many clubs who are monitoring the situation of Thiago Alcantara. The Bayern Munich midfielder is tipped to leave the club in the summer after failing to maintain his consistency over the past couple of years. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
Thiago can solve Arsenal’s build-up problems
Lack of precision in the build-up play has become one of Arsenal’s most prominent issues following the departure of Arsene Wenger. Under Unai Emery, the defenders were almost forced to play the ball out from the back, and their lack of technique with the ball allowed the opposition to create turnovers in the defensive half. It eventually resulted in Arsenal defenders making a host of defensive errors.
Thiago, in that regard, should be able to fix that problem. The Spaniard is gifted with immense technical quality and is capable of going deep to pick the ball up from defence. He can then circulate possession all around the park, helping his team ease the transition and improving the overall quality of the build-up.
Thiago is blessed with quick feet as well, which helps him nestle through tight spaces and dribbling the ball out from the back – making him the ideal solution to Arsenal’s build-up problems.
He is an ideal fit for Arteta’s system
Thiago achieved new heights under the leadership of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. The Catalan made him one of the best midfielders in the world, and essentially, the midfielder is quite familiar to the Juego de posicion style of play that was developed by Guardiola, himself.
Now current Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had worked with Guardiola for three years at Manchester City, meaning he might be able to bring the best out of Thiago, who has struggled with tactical incompatibility over the past few seasons at Bayern Munich.
Not to mention, the Spaniard’s technically gifted nature would combine well with the more robust style of Granit Xhaka, ultimately adding more balance in midfield.
An experienced individual and a serial winner
Last but not least, Thiago has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football. He has made 216 competitive appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring 29 goals and providing 37 assists. Not to mention, he had also featured in over 100 matches for Barcelona prior to his move to Bavaria.
Thiago has helped Bayern Munich win six back to back Bundesliga titles and three German cup titles. He won the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona in 2011 as well, though he was barely involved in the first-team action.
Nonetheless, the Spaniard could introduce the winning mentality at the Emirates while his experience could help him settle in quickly at Arsenal – making him an ideal target for the Gunners.
