Transfer Story:
Chelsea continue to be linked with left-backs despite having signed Emerson Palmieri to provide some backup to Marcos Alonso. A recent report believes that the Blues will make a bid for West Ham United star Arthur Masuaku too.
Arthur has been a vital cog in West Ham United’s playing XI for quite some time now. According to the report, even Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal and Masuaku will make a move if West Ham get relegated; something that doesn’t look like happening this season. However, Chelsea are planning to bid for the player; a move that will not please David Moyes for sure.
Arthur Masuaku: Left-sided beast
Masuaku has shown that he can play anywhere on the left lank as his tendency to regularly attack sees him operate in an extremely advanced position at times. He possesses quick feet, that helps him glide past his adversaries very easily. Arthur has a good control over the ball and that helps him burst into the opposition half and create chances for his forwards. His impressive physical strength lends him an advantage when going into challenges.
This season, the wingback has played 21 matches in the Premier League and has assisted three times. He has a good passing accuracy of 80%, a stat that is commendable for a player who is usually hounded upon by the opposition attackers and is cramped for space too. He has won 51% of his defensive duels and that gives us an idea of his defensive solidity.
Masuaku has completed 66% successful take-ons and that reflects his tendency to snatch the ball on the flank and then to sprint ahead with it to create something noteworthy from the left wing. He has a 63% success rate in aerial duels and that adds an extra dimension to his game.
Should Chelsea make a move?
I do not think that Chelsea need him unless Palmieri and Alonso decide to leave the club all of a sudden. Both of them look set to stay for a long time now and hence the team does not have much room for another new left-back. Chelsea will need to splash the cash this summer after a dismal season and there are a number of other positions the board will look to reinforce before even thinking about the left wing-back slot.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored