According to Talksport, Arsenal are interested in the services of former Newcastle United flop Florian Thauvin. It is believed that the Frenchman is one of four players that are set to leave Marseille this summer as they look to comply with the FFP rules after missing out on Champions League next season. Thauvin reportedly has a release clause of £50 million.
Thauvin’s success in Ligue 1
Thauvin has been one of the most consistent performers in Ligue 1 for the past few years. Since rejoining Marseille in 2016 following his horrid spell at Newcastle, the Frenchman has scored 53 goals league goals in the last three years while providing 28 assists.
His fiery performances during the 2016/17 campaign even forced Marseille to turn his loan deal into a permanent one for a fee of £9.9 million, about £7 million less than what they had initially received from the Magpies in 2015.
Thauvin continued his excellent run of form this past season as well, despite Marseille’s struggles in keeping up with the top four. He scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in 33 league games, ending the campaign as one of the league’s most productive attackers.
What can Thauvin bring to the table?
Thauvin is predominantly a right-winger, who is known for his silky dribbling skills and quick feet. He loves to take on defenders and can comfortably nestle through tight spaces. The 26-year-old notably averaged 1.8 successful dribbles per game during the 2018/19 campaign.
Aside from his dribbling prowess, Thauvin is adept in moving in centrally and providing well-timed through balls in behind the defence. Hence, he has delivered 1.4 key passes per game this past season.
But, what makes him such a feared attacker in the league is his willingness to test the ‘keeper, with the forward attempting 3.1 shots per game. And this serves as a key reason as to why the Frenchman has attained such an impressive scoring record over the years.
Should Arsenal make a move for Thauvin?
Thauvin will be an excellent addition to Arsenal given his knack for his scoring goals coupled with his dribbling prowess. That means the Marseille attacker will be able to add more dynamism into the attack for the Gunners and with the club already lacking natural wingers, the acquisition of someone like Thauvin could be a masterstroke by Unai Emery.
Although the 26-year-old struggled to perform during his first stint in England, his game has matured a lot since and he will likely be able to integrate to the fast-paced nature of Premier League, should he move to Emirates this summer.
But, it’s imperative Arsenal sell at least two of their unwanted players if they are to afford Thauvin, whose release clause of £50 million will exceed Arsenal’s reported transfer kitty of only £40 million.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
