In a recent report, The Daily Star has claimed that Arsenal are facing fierce competition in pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg forward Patson Daka. It is understood that the Gunners will have to rival Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to acquire the Zambia international’s services this summer (via The Daily Star).
Daka’s Impressive Numbers At Salzburg This Season
Daka is having a fruitful season at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg after putting in several match-winning displays as the focal point of Jesse Marsch’s attack. The 22-year-old has featured in 32 matches for the Austrian club this term, registering 30 goals and eight assists in multiple competitions.
The Zambian striker has enjoyed a decent run of form in Europe where he is averaging 1.2 tackles, 2.5 shots and 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League this season. However, Daka needs to be more accurate when distributing the ball in the final third, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 65% in European football (stats via whoscored).
The talented marksman is currently under contract with RB Salzburg until the summer of 2024, so it would take a big offer from the Gunners to lure him to the Emirates Stadium during this summer transfer window.
What Will The Zambia International Bring To The Table?
Daka possesses blistering pace in his locker and can make some dangerous runs in behind the opposition backline. Even though the Austrian Bundesliga star is one of the fastest players in Europe, yet he hardly completes any dribbles in the opponent’s half.
However, Daka excels at generating space for himself to get a few shots on target. He can also set up some promising opportunities for his teammates to score. The 18-time Zambia international has established himself as a prolific goal-scorer but the jury is still out on whether he can maintain his high standards in England if Mikel Arteta can find a way to get a deal done for him in this offseason.
Is Daka The Right Choice For Arsenal?
Daka will add plenty of pace and goals to the Gunners attack. Plus, he could be an upgrade over Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang (based on the Arsenal duo’s inconsistent form this season, this is not a dig at their ability at all). At 22, the Salzburg attacker is a player on the rise and would only get better with more experience under his belt at the top level.
With all things considered, the Zambian youngster will be an excellent choice for Arteta to consider this summer as he will be a signing for the long run. He has what it takes to help the North Londoners re-establish themselves as a top club in England in the coming seasons.
