According to Daily Star, Merih Demiral is among the players that Arsenal are considering signing in the upcoming summer transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his defensive options next season, with the Juventus centre-back still being on his wish-list. Demiral was linked with a move to Arsenal in January, but it did not materialise.
What can Demiral offer to the table?
Demiral is a modern-day centre-back, who is proficient when it comes to building the ball up from the back. He is very comfortable on the ball and can easily find passing options. His passes are not only restricted to just short passes either as the Juventus star is more than capable of threading long-diagonal balls.
However, what makes him such an appealing target for any top team is his physique and dominance. Standing at 1.90m, Demiral has an imposing figure that often gives him an advantage when it comes to physical or aerial duels. His confidence, meanwhile, helps him clear out any loose balls or to find a quick passing option despite the pressure.
In fact, Demiral’s style of play can be compared to Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels. He is always on the lookout for that run in behind the backline. At the same time, the defender is also strong enough to march forward and create space for his teammates.
Demiral’s problems with injuries
Injuries have not exactly haunted Demiral’s career. But, just when his career at Juventus was about to take off, the Turkish international suffered an unfortunate ACL injury that would keep him out on the sidelines until July 2020. Fortunately for him, new signing Matthijs de Ligt is still yet to make an impact after joining from Ajax in a big-money move last summer.
Nevertheless, suffering an ACL injury often tends to disrupt a footballer’s career, and Demiral is likely to be no exception. Although he is more than expected to be fit to play before the start of next season, it is perhaps fair to point out that it could indeed make him an injury-prone defender going forward.
Should Arsenal make a move for Demiral?
Demiral could have been the ideal target for Arsenal. His technical prowess, combined with his defensive commitment, would have added a new dimension to a backline that has struggled throughout the past two-three years.
That being said, the Gunners simply cannot overlook his injury problems along with the fact that he hasn’t played much football this year. But more importantly, Juventus are unlikely to offload him in the summer either, especially with de Ligt struggling to settle into Italian football while the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are already in the final phase of their respective careers.
