According to Estadio Deportivo, Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring Pape Gueye. The Le Havre midfielder has caught the attention of many top clubs across Europe with his performances in Ligue 2 this season. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition from Sevilla, AC Milan and Udinese along with Valencia in the pursuit of Gueye.
Who is Pape Gueye?
A defensive midfielder by trade, Gueye is advertised as a box to box operator who is apparently a hybrid between Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante. So essentially, the 21-year-old is very good when it comes to reading the game and cutting off passing lanes in the middle of the park.
It could benefit Arsenal, who have lacked the presence of an intelligent midfielder this season. In fact, the Gunners have completed the least number of interceptions in the Premier League so far.
Moreover, Gueye has a tall 1.87m frame that gives him a considerable advantage when it comes to physical and aerial duels. In the current midfield setup of Arsenal, it would make him the tallest midfielder at the club.
Also, the Frenchman is known for his mobility and the willingness to close down the opposing ball-carrier. Gueye’s aggression, therefore, could further solidify Arsenal’s second line of press. But more importantly, he is also equipped with the passing technique that makes him a well-rounded central midfielder.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Is Gueye a viable target for Arsenal?
Gueye’s style of play seems ideally suited for the physically astute nature of the Premier League. He is also likely to add more urgency and strength to the Arsenal midfield that has lagged behind other competitors this season. And given the fact that he still plays in the French second division, the midfielder is expected to be cheaper than other options in the market.
This could benefit Arsenal as they could undergo a massive squad overhaul in the summer. Securing the services of Gueye for a relatively cheaper fee, therefore, could turn out to be a smart piece of business for the north London giants.
Furthermore, the Le Havre star is only 21, meaning he has time on his side and a lot of room to improve himself as a midfielder. And with time, he could potentially become a valued asset for the club. The only real issue, however, is Gueye’s lack of experience at the highest level of football.
In our opinion, given his incredible talent, Gueye is undoubtedly a gamble worth taking, as far as Arsenal are concerned.
