According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are considering a summer move for Serhou Guirassy. The SC Amiens forward has caught the eye of several clubs across England following his performances in Ligue 1, with AFC Bournemouth and West Ham also courting his services. His intermediary Mark McKay has also admitted that Arsenal could face stiff competition in pursuit of the attacker this summer.
Serhou Guirassy’s redemption at Amiens
Guirassy was a former striker at 1.FC Koln when he joined the club in 2016. However, the striker struggled to make an impact in the Bundesliga, featuring in 45 matches before moving to SC Amiens on loan, at the start of last year. He scored three goals in 13 games for the French outfit, convincing them to secure his services permanently last summer.
That move has paid off for Amiens, it seems, with Guirassy emerging as one of the rising stars in Ligue 1 this season. The 24-year-old netted nine goals in 23 league matches, though it wasn’t enough to help his club survive relegation.
Amiens were in the relegation zone when the French footballing association decided to deem the season null and void while awarding Paris Saint-Germain the league title. The club has since threatened further action against FFF’s decision.
What can he bring to the table?
Guirassy is primarily known for his physical and aerial prowess. Standing at 1.87m, the Frenchman is extremely competent on the physical side of the game, often posing a threat from set-pieces or crosses into the box. In fact, he has won 4.2 aerial duels per game, which is among the highest in the league.
However, Guirassy is not as bright when it comes to ball retention. He has an awful first-touch and has averaged 3.3 unsuccessful touches while also losing possession 1.8 times per game this past season.
Arsenal are considering a summer move for Serhou Guirassy; A good option for Arteta?
Guirassy is undoubtedly a cost-effective option in Arsenal’s bid to reinforce the offensive department. However, it should be noted that the Frenchman is not a like for like replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
If the Gabonese international does stay at the club, Guirassy could provide excellent back-up. The striker is adept in the physical side of the game, which could add a new dimension to the club’s offensive unit that often appears over-reliant on the technical aspect of the game.
Guirassy, in that regard, should enable Mikel Arteta to employ a more simplistic style of play, with the SC Amiens star operating as the target-man in the number nine slot. Therefore, the Gunners must look to sign the ex-Koln forward this summer, preferably by getting rid of Alexandre Lacazette.
Stats from Whoscored.
