According to The Sun, Arsenal have contacted Juventus over the potential transfer of Moise Kean. The Italian prodigy has been linked with a move to a host of clubs across Europe, including Everton, Borussia Dortmund. Now, Arsenal too have joined the race.
However, Juventus has strictly informed the Gunners that they will need to add a cheap buy-back clause if they are to secure the services of Kean this summer. And while this clause could make Arsenal the obvious losers in the deal, especially from a long-term perspective, we will discuss a few more reasons as to why this highly talented youngster could be a risky target for the North London giants.
Kean isn’t expected to play in his natural position
Kean is predominantly a centre forward which could create a conflict in terms of Unai Emery’s tactical choices in attack. The Spaniard already boasts the services Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. Both of these forwards had been in exceptional goalscoring form last season, and it’s unlikely Kean will be able to get the nod ahead of them in the number nine slot.
That means the Italian international will have to feature in a wider attacking role. He has played as a left-winger during the early stages of his youth career. But, Kean could struggle to perform in the left-wing slot for Arsenal as he has barely operated in that role during his short professional career. And naturally, it would be difficult for him to settle into an unnatural position, especially in the Premier League.
He lacks experience in senior football
Splashing the cash on Kean would be no less than a gamble from Arsenal’s part given the player’s lack of experience at the highest level of football. In fact, the 35 collective appearances the Italian has made with Juventus and Chievo Verona remains his only top-flight experience to date.
That means the youngster could potentially take time to get to grips with the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. He may even not yet be ready for first-team football at the highest level at all – points that add up to the risk involved in Arsenal’s pursuit of Kean.
Skint Arsenal cannot afford to invest on yet another prospect
Arsenal are in pole position to sign French wonderkid William Saliba. The St. Etienne defender will reportedly join the club for a fee of £27 million. But, he is only 18 and is expected to return to Ligue 1 on loan next season, thus adding no benefit to the Gunners side for the short term.
With that in mind, it perhaps wouldn’t be a good idea to splash the cash on yet another prodigy in the shape of Kean. The Juventus star is only 19 and is expected to cost around £31 million, which would consume a large chunk of Emery’s restricted transfer budget this summer.
Hence, the Spaniard should instead turn his attention towards a cheaper yet more experienced alternative or look for the loan market.
