In a recent interview with CaughtOffside, journalist Charles Watts claimed that Arsenal could move in for Atalanta midfielder Ederson next year. Watts said,
“Ederson’s star is rising with Atalanta and Arsenal had an opportunity to get a close up view of his talents when the two teams met in the Champions League a few weeks ago.
“The Brazilian is being linked with a number of clubs at the moment, including Arsenal, and that’s no real surprise given the way he has been performing in Italy under Gian Piero Gasperini.
“Arsenal are looking at midfield options ahead of the summer, with the futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey very much in doubt right now and I’m sure Ederson’s name would have been discussed given the form he has been in of late.
“But I can’t say for certain whether he is a player they are seriously considering as an option right now. It’s just too early at the moment for that. I’ve certainly not heard anything myself.”
Watts went on to add,
“Ederson is clearly a very accomplished player, he’s shown that with Atalanta and he’s now starting to get some opportunities with Brazil as well.
“Whether that’s enough to convince Arsenal to join the race for him, however, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Ederson’s Impressive Form In Italian Football
Ederson has made ten appearances for Atalanta this season, netting one goal and grabbing one assist across all competitions. The Brazilian midfield ace is having another impressive campaign in Italy and deserves credit for averaging 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 1.0 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in Serie A. He was even accurate when distributing possession from midfield based on his pass success rate of 87% in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Will Ederson Bring To Arsenal?
Ederson can sense the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the front foot and can strike the ball with power from long range.
The Brazilian talent has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the opponent’s half and is an energetic runner with the ball from midfield. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also function as a defensive midfielder or play in the number ten position if needed.
We can expect Ederson to bring more quality to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s midfield. He has what it takes to help the Gunners compete across all fronts in the coming years. Therefore, the North London club would be wise to go all out to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this January or next summer.
