According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to rival Barcelona in pursuit of Malang Sarr. The centre-back is currently one of the most in-demand players in the market after running out his contract at OGC Nice at the end of the season.
As a result, both Arsenal and Barcelona are keen on securing his services, especially knowing the fact that he is available on a free transfer. The Gunners, in particular, want to sign Sarr as part of the club’s potential overhaul in the defensive department.
What Are Arsenal Up To?
Mikel Arteta’s decision to reshape his whole defensive unit makes sense given how much it had lacked identity this past season. The injuries, in particular, did not help at all, with the Arsenal manager being forced to deploy the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney in central defensive roles.
Besides, players like Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi do not appear to have any future at Emirates. None of these two defenders have any notable technical qualities that could tune in well with Arteta’s tactical philosophy.
Calum Chambers, meanwhile, has suffered numerous injuries and he, too, is unlikely to fit into the new-look Arsenal side while Rob Holding has been linked with a move away from Emirates. It leaves Arteta with only a few reliable options at centre-back in David Luiz, Pablo Mari and William Saliba.
Among them, Mari has played only two games in the Premier League while Saliba has only returned from his loan spell at St. Etienne. Hence, the addition of at least one new defender makes sense, and their interest in Sarr is also warranted.
Krasnodar won the match 5-2. / AFP / – (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images)
Is Malang Sarr Any Good?
Sarr was one of Ligue 1’s most consistent defenders over the past few years, notching up more than 100 league appearances for OGC Nice. He is a fearsome defender, who has impressed the onlookers with his aggression, physicality and technical prowess. In fact, what makes him such an appealing target for Arsenal is his ability to play the ball out from the back.
Unlike players like Sokratis or Mustafi, Sarr is not afraid to have the ball at his feet. He can march forward with full confidence, almost in an essence that makes him look almost like Germany’s defensive figurehead, Mats Hummels.
Although the Frenchman is not as capable when it comes to threading long, diagonal balls like the Dortmund star, he can certainly pass in between the lines. His technical qualities are complemented by an imposing 1.82m frame, making him quite useful in physical and aerial duels.
Sarr, therefore, is a perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical setup, although it remains to be seen if Arsenal will continue pursuing the 21-year-old after the expected arrival of Gabriel Magalhaes.
