According to The Sun, Barcelona have refused to meet Erling Haaland’s £85 million release clause, giving Arsenal a massive boost in the pursuit of the RB Salzburg ace. Haaland has impressed the onlookers with his blistering performances in the Champions League and is already valued at a whopping £85 million. But while Barcelona have backed out, Arsenal could still face stiff competition from a host of top European including league rivals Manchester United.
Does Arsenal’s interest in Haaland make sense?
Arsenal haven’t had many problems finding the back of the net this season, thanks to their excellent attacking department, chock-full of quality individuals. In fact, they have one of the most lethal offensive combinations in Europe in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
However, in recent months, both the players have been linked with a move away from Emirates. Arsenal’s failure to consistently take part in the Champions League might leave them frustrated, with Lacazette already being linked with a move to Barcelona. And given the club’s growing problems, it won’t be surprising to see Aubameyang, too, leaving north London in the summer.
That’s where Haaland could potentially come in. The youngster has the talent to make a difference and is likely to be identified as a direct replacement for either Aubameyang or Lacazette.
How will Haaland fit into the Arsenal side?
Haaland’s addition to the Arsenal depends a lot on the fate of current manager, Unai Emery. The Spaniard has failed to guide the club into a new era after replacing Arsene Wenger in 2018. He has struggled to get his message across to players, and it won’t be surprising to see him depart if Arsenal continue their poor run of form.
Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, Haaland is to be considered as a direct replacement if any of the two strikers leave Emirates. That means he is a direct fit in the number nine slot and could feature in a two-man attack, should Auba or Lacazette stay at the club next season.
Haaland is quite familiar with that setup as he often plays alongside Hee-chan Hwang in Salzburg’s 4-4-2. His physical prowess, coupled with his poaching qualities combines well with Chang’s pace and dynamism. And the youngster can undoubtedly replicate that in Arsenal, with the Gunners boasting the services of players like Aubameyang and Lacazette.
Therefore, 4-4-2 seems like the best bet if Arsenal are to accomodate Haaland into their setup. Alternatively, the Norweigian can be deployed as a lone number nine in a 4-2-3-1.
