Arsene Wenger may yet be able to retain his place at the Emirates but his side will have to do really well to qualify for the Champions League next season. But the manager is already planning for the future and is looking at some exciting names for a move this summer.
One such name now doing the rounds is that of SSC Napoli star Elseid Hysaj.
Hysaj Ready To Quit Napoli:
A transfer target for both Arsenal and Manchester United, Hysaj, who joined the Italian outfit for less than £5m is reportedly ready to leave the club this summer. Reports from Italy claim that the player has notified the Serie A giants that another club from Europe is ready to meet his release clause this summer.
The story reveals that Hysaj has a release clause of £43.7m and that an unnamed club has already made a bid which could see him make a move at the end of the season. Arsenal are named as one of the possible destinations but is he the right man for the Gunners?
Who Is Hysaj:
For fans not too familiar with the name, here is a mini-scout report of Hysaj –
Born and brought up in Shkoder, Albania, the 24-year old made his first international appearance in 2013 and already has 37 caps for his country. He moved to Italy for the first time with Empoli’s academy and made his first senior appearance in 2012. He spent just three years at the club, making 102 league appearances before he was snapped up by Napoli in 2015.
A right-back by trait, Hysaj took no time to establish himself at Stadio San Paolo and has already made 126 appearances for Partenopei, standing as their first choice right-back at the moment.
Known for his strength in the air and in hold up play, the 24-year old is a confident and established defender, who is quick to sniff out dangers down the flank. He is a decent passer and can set up goals at the other end but is more adept at sitting back, soaking up the pressure and frustrating the opponents.
He is hardly prone to errors and is now the first choice for both club and country and will be a decent coup for Arsenal.
Do They Really Need Him?
The Gunners have Spaniard Hector Bellerin as their first choice right-back at the moment and though he is extensively linked with an exit, he could retain his place at Emirates next season. But he has no real quality backups in the first team as Wenger has used young Maitland-Niles, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers when needed.
Hysaj not only solves this problem but also adds a different dimension to Arsenal’s defence down the right flank. Bellerin is an attacking presence down that wing and Hysaj will make Arsenal a slightly more secured outfit at the back.
At his price, he is slightly expensive but he has the potential to dethrone Bellerin if given a chance and is a player Arsenal should definitely give a shot.