Arsenal have joined the race to sign AC Milan’s attacking sensation Andre Silva, as per reports from the English media. The Portuguese International has failed to sprinkle his magic in the Serie A, since his move to AC Milan last summer, and could be in for a move away from San Siro this summer.
However, Arsenal could face stiff competition from a host of top European clubs along with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are eyeing an ambitious move for the 22-year-old.
Following the departure of Alexis Sanchez, earlier this year, the Gunners have been lacking someone who can lead the charge in the offensive department. Despite the signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal are in desperate need of another attacker next season and Andre Silva could be an ideal match for the Gunners.
The former Porto talent is regarded as one of his country’s brightest prospects and is even tipped to be the long-term successor of Cristiano Ronaldo. Even though one could argue with the fact that Andre Silva has failed to impose his authority in the Italian top flight this season, scoring just one goal so far, we should also consider the fact the attacker has only featured in 680 minutes of league football this season.
AC Milan has hardly used Andre Silva in league games this season, often banking on the rather experienced operator in Nikola Kalinic. However, the Portuguese international has been a regular in the UEFA Europa League this campaign, where he has already netted six goals in ten outings. He also did feature in both of Milan’s Round of 16 games against Arsenal, earlier this month.
Therefore, Andre Silva is certainly a quality player, who can add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s style of play in the final third. Unlike Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette, both of whom excessively rely on their rather one-dimensional gameplay to score goals, Andre Silva epitomizes the role of a complete striker in modern day football.
The 22-year-old has the pace and power to drift past opposing players at ease, while his exceptional ball carrying qualities are often a boon for any team, especially Arsenal.
With the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan around, the AC Milan forward could prove to be one of the smartest signings for the Gunners in recent years. It would be interesting to see how his transfer saga takes shape this summer.