According to Express, Liverpool have overtaken Arsenal in the pursuit of Nancy wonderkid Bilel Hassaini. The youngster is courted by a host of clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, PSG and Saint-Etienne. However, it seems that the Reds have moved ahead of the Gunners as they look to bolster their attacking options next season.
What can Hassaini offer to the table?
A right-winger by trade, Hassaini is yet to make his senior debut for Nancy. But, his performances in youth competitions, as well as the French youth teams, has made him one of the most sought-after youngsters in football.
Hassaini’s style of play can be compared to Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho. The 18-year-old has exquisite control over the ball while his trickery makes him an unpredictable dribbler. He loves to take on defenders and manipulate them with his quick-feet.
The Frenchman generally likes to stay out wide, where he can get to the byline and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. But, at the same time, he can also move into a central area of the pitch and pick out key passes in and around the final third.
Aside from that, Hassaini has that sheer pace that allows him to provide a genuine threat on the counter. Hence, he is a well-rounded right-winger, who has the potential to become an asset for any top club within the coming years.
Should Arsenal double their efforts to sign Hassaini?
Hassaini will be no less than a gamble at this very moment, given his lack of experience in professional football. He is, in fact, yet to make a single senior appearance. But, as iterated earlier, the 18-year-old has shown immense talent and can be groomed into a world-class attacker.
From Arsenal’s perspective, Hassaini has the quality to enhance their attacking department that has lacked the dynamic essence following the departure of Alexis Sanchez. The Frenchman, in that regard, will offer energy as well as trickery on the flanks that could become useful, especially when probing the opposition defences.
Most importantly, Hassaini won’t cost a fortune, unlike their prime target Wilfried Zaha. And that could be beneficial for Unai Emery, who is operating with a slender budget this summer.
That being said, Arsenal will first have to double their efforts in the pursuit of this Nancy youngster, with Liverpool reportedly leading the chase. It will be interesting to see how this transfer saga takes shape in the coming days.
