As reported by Football.London, Arsenal have been handed a boost in pursuit of Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. In a recent interview to Sport Buzzer, RB Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff revealed the one condition that could see Sabitzer sold.
“What I can rule out after the Szoboszlai transfer is that we will get more players this winter or summer without us giving up any. If it makes financial sense and we can absorb it sportily.” – Mintzlaff stated.
The comments have certainly boosted his chances of joining the Premier League, with Arsenal likely to be the Austrian international’s next destination. However, the Gunners will face cut-throat competition for the 26-year-old’s signature from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also believed to be interested in the midfielder (as reported by The Athletic).
Marcel Sabitzer: A Leader Among Men
The Graz-born midfielder’s journey to top-flight football has been an inspiring one. Having come through the ranks at Austrian club Admira Wacker, Sabitzer signed for SK Rapid Wien in January 2013. He went on to score 10 goals in 45 outings across all competitions for the Austrian outfit which put him on RB Leipzig’s radar, who signed the then 19-year-old in the summer of 2014.
However, the youngster was loaned back to RB Salzburg soon after his arrival. Sabitzer, once again, utilised the opportunity that came his way as he ended up bagging 19 goals in 33 appearances for the Die Roten Bullen in the 2014-15 season where he won the domestic league and the cup.
Upon returning to the Red Bull Arena in 2015, Marcel Sabitzer was termed as one of his country’s most talented youngsters as he helped Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side provide a strong challenge to Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the upcoming seasons. Later on, under Julian Nagelsmann, the playmaker added several other aspects to his game, including versatility, leadership, and tenacity.
Going by the numbers, Sabitzer has netted 32 goals in 151 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit across all competitions and has made a good start to the 2020/21 season as well – averaging 1.2 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.0 clearance, 1.8 shots and 1.0 key pass per 90 minutes in the German top-flight.
What Will He Add To The North London Club?
Mikel Arteta has been desperately seeking players who can add depth and quality to his squad – and Marcel Sabitzer fits the bill. Besides his ability to play across a number of midfield positions, the 26-year-old playmaker can also be deployed on the right-wing if needed. Moreover, the Gunners have lacked a leader at the centre of the park this season, and it’ll be an understatement to say that their midfield is crying out for someone of Sabitzer’s calibre.
RB Leipzig will need to sell some top assets to balance out the books, and with Sabitzer in his prime and at his highest market value, now would be the perfect time to cash in on him before his contract expires in the summer of 2022.
(Stats from WhoScored)
