According to a recent report by Bild, Kevin Volland is in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential contract extension. However, if both the parties fail to agree to a new contract, the attacker could leave the club in the summer. Arsenal, for one, have already been linked with a move for Volland earlier in the season. And if they can come up with an attractive offer, they could potentially secure his services.
In this article, however, we will talk about three reasons why Arsenal must steer clear of Volland.
Arsenal don’t need an attacker
Arsenal are easily one of the most dangerous attacking teams in England. The Gunners boast the services of some of Europe’s most talented offensive players including Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe. Hence, they need to focus on improving other areas, especially the defence.
Lack of solidity at the back has been a problem for Arsenal throughout the past three-four seasons. Volland, in that regard, is not an ideal target if Arsenal are to invest in the transfer market. Someone like Merih Demiral, for one, could turn out to be a smart investment for the north London giants.
Volland is not the one they need
Even if Arsenal are to sign a new attacker, Volland doesn’t really fit in at the club for multiple reasons. A centre-forward by trade, the German is unlikely to replace Aubameyang or Lacazette, given the success these two have had since joining the club. Therefore, he is likely to spend time on the bench unless Arsenal fail to keep hold of someone like Aubameyang in the summer.
Alternatively, Volland can be used as an alternative for Pepe, who has had a disappointing start to his career in England. Even then, however, Arsenal would be better advised to invest in a more dynamic and pacy winger than the Bayer Leverkusen star. Not to mention, Volland hasn’t really been utilised in a wide role in recent seasons.
There are better options
As mentioned earlier, Arsenal could invest in a more dynamic winger if they do plan to sign a new attacker. And in the summer, the Gunners are likely to have a better option than Volland, especially if Aubameyang or Ozil leaves the club.
Wilfried Zaha should still be identified as a potential option. The Ivorian has considerable experience in England and shouldn’t take much time integrating to Arsenal. Another exciting target could be Jonathan Ikone, who has become one of Ligue 1’s rising stars this season. Both of them could be significantly better options than Volland.
