Report
17-year old Jann-Fiete Arp of Hamburger SV has been linked with a move to English side Manchester City.
The Situation At Manchester City
Over 50 goals in just under 20 games averages over 2.5 goals per game. These already impressive stats become even more unusual when you consider the context in which they have been achieved. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team has displayed tremendous form since the start of the season and are seemingly looking like the best side not just in England but in Europe at the moment.
Pep’s team has already played the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool in the league and beaten the Serie A leaders Napoli twice in the Champions League.
Deep into November this season, Manchester City are yet to lose a game. Their only game where they have dropped points is the fixture against Everton in their second match of the season when they drew 1-1 with the Toffees.
The Player Profile
With Pep Guardiola having a knack of being able to harness young talent, it will now be a tempting opportunity for Jann-Fiete Arp should Manchester City come calling. The English Premier league leaders currently have Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus as their two forwards but Aguero is injury prone and turning 30 next year. It would mean that Manchester City will be keen to look for a long-term replacement.
The Hamburger SV star at the age of 17 has already made a mark in the game. He has played four games so far this season and scored two goals for the relegation-threatened club. Out of four appearances, one was a substitution appearance that hardly lasted a minute on the pitch. In the other three matches, the 17 year old has found the back of the net twice and the German media has now linked him with a move to the top sides in Europe.
It was reported in the summer that Chelsea came calling for him with a lucrative offer but the transfer never materialized. However, the Blues are reported to be in the lead for his signature once again with Manchester City and Arsenal on their heels. One reason for worry for Hamburger, however, is the fact that Arp’s contract expires in 2019 and the club is worried they will not be fairly compensated if the player decides to leave the club.
HSV will want to solve their contract crisis immediately to get a stronger hold on their negotiating power. As for Arp, the 17-year-old should simply focus on his development at HSV now where he is getting regular game time, instead of worrying about a move. If he can continue to perform at such high standards, there will not be a dearth of clubs for the talented forward in the future.
