According to a recent print edition of Sport (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Arsenal have been offered a chance to recruit Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic on loan but could face competition from AC Milan in pursuit of his signature this summer. The same source has also revealed that Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane is open to letting the Serbian marksman leave on loan during the summer transfer window with the expectation that he would be able to come back as a better version of himself next summer (via Sport Witness).
Jovic’s Struggles To Find Consistency At Madrid This Season
The 22-year-old has endured a frustrating debut season at the Spanish capital after failing to find a decent run of form for the Madrid giants so far. He has registered two goals and two assists in 24 appearances for Zidane’s side this term in all competitions which sheds light on his growing struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.
Jovic is currently out of action with a foot injury, so it will be difficult for him to play for Real Madrid again this season. Maybe a change of scenery will do his confidence a world of good especially following his poor run of form for Los Blancos this term as evidenced by his average of 0.9 shots, 0.3 key passes, 0.3 dribbles per game in La Liga (stats via whoscored). His lack of consistency could also be due to the fact that Zidane has often preferred to use him as an impact substitute with Karim Benzema doing so well for his first-team during this campaign.
The Bijeljina-born talent has also earned seven senior caps for the Serbian national side, netting two goals for his country in the process. A summer switch to the Emirates Stadium could offer him a chance to rediscover himself at the highest level and secure a regular starting place for his nation’s senior team in the years to come.
What Does The Serbian International Offer On The Field?
Jovic boasts decent pace and is an exciting dribbler with the ball at his feet. He excels at making quick runs in behind the opposition backline and packs a lot of power with shot attempts. When the Serbian is playing with confidence on the pitch, he can be a joy to watch, but those days have been few and far between during his time in Spain. However, he deserves credit for utilizing his strength to protect the ball and generally works hard to retain possession for his side even when he is outnumbered in the attacking third.
Is Jovic The Right Fit For The Gunners?
Jovic has the makings of a top striker, but he has been a significant disappointment for Madrid this season. Even if Arsenal end up making a loan offer for the European sensation, there are no guarantees that he will be able to compete with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at North London next season. Plus, Jovic’s addition could also hamper the recent emergence of Gabriel Martinelli, who has been a real revelation at the Emirates this season.
With all things considered, Mikel Arteta will be better of concentrating on strengthening some of the other, more pressing areas of his squad as he is quite well-equipped in the attacking department. Jovic won’t be a good fit for the Gunners as they won’t be able to provide him with regular first-team minutes in the upcoming campaign.