Transfer Story
M’Baye Niang seems to be currently on the list of shortlisted summer transfer targets for Arsenal. After being chased by the Toffees through most of the transfer window, it is now reported that it is Wenger who has upped his interest in signing the versatile player.
The AC Milan individual had a fairly successful loan spell with Watford FC this season and is poised to return to San Siro after having dazzled the Premier League with his skills and dribbles.
The 22-year-old is currently tied to the Serie A giants till 2019 but with potential interest in the youngster gaining pace, a likely move away from San Siro could be well on its way.
Let’s take a look at the stats of the player.
Player Stats
The French International has featured 34 times this past season, 16 times for Watford scoring 2 goals and 2 assists and 18 times for AC Milan scoring 3 goals and 2 assists. A change in League and playing environment certainly didn’t seem to deter the player’s creativity and skills.
The player also boasts a healthy pass success rate of 78.4% and has made a total of 18 key passes in the past season for both the clubs.
The player has the ability to play in virtually all positions up front and also in midfield and is also good at both feet with the ball. Certainly a versatile and dynamic player, one could see the fluidity and options he would provide any team.
The Frenchman is also quite adept at defending having made 11 interceptions for the Hornets in his 16 appearances.
The 22-year-old only needs to better his ball controlling abilities in order to become a complete player. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the Club?
Wenger needs to add depth and strength to his squad keeping in mind the hectic Europa League fixtures along with domestic football on their way, which is sure to wear out individuals in his otherwise illustrious team and that has been the case almost everytime for the Gunners in their past few campaigns.
With his fellow French compatriot, Wenger would be provided with a plethora of choices when it comes to deploying the individual.
Wenger had over utilised Ramsey and Ozil many times in the past resulting in their weariness in the mid-half of the season but with Niang, he might be able to get the perfect chemistry and combination to rotate his central and attacking midfielders.
Who knows, if all goes well the youngster could well turn out to be the surprise package for Gunners.
All eyes on Wenger with this one!