Analyzing Arsenal Link To Antoine Griezmann

Transfer rumors are a fickle thing from an Arsenal standpoint. In that regard, it is hard to get excited about a link to someone like Antonie Griezmann. Let’s examine it.

This is not the first time that Antoine Griezmann has been linked to Arsenal. It rarely is the first time for any link involving Arsenal. That is the residual effect of having a boss that does not panic spend. The often-prolific French forward was also linked when he was eyeing up a move move from Real Sociedad. Instead of coming to the rains of London, he remained in the sun of Spain. Hard to argue that aspect, just ask Grzegorz Krychowiak.

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What would Antoine Griezmann bring Arsenal? Well, quite a bit. For starters, he can play any advanced role, and he has on many occasions. This year at Atletico Madrid he has made at least two appearances at every forward-lying position. It has landed him the second place spot on the French scorers list this season, behind just Olivier Giroud. Griezmann has netted 11 goals and assisted four times.

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Statistically, he brings a lot. Skill-set wise, he brings even more. Antoine Griezmann is very well-versed in the Arsenal style of play. The hold-up, lay-off, flick-on expertise in front of goal has been something that Griezmanna has excelled at everywhere he goes. By that token, he could feasibly have the same sort of impact Alexis Sanchez did – an immediate one. He may not have the same endless work rate that Alexis does, but that is a rare trait.

Griezmann is still a very effective defender. He is averaging two tackles and an interception and a half per 90 this season (via WhoScored). Again, hard to argue with the quality that we see, both in the numbers and on the pitch.

But as it is with any transfer, we must ask ourselves how likely it is that Arsene Wenger makes a move of this magnitude, particularly in January. Wenger is not as allergic to these big moves as we often fault him for being. Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech in three consecutive years proves that he will spend money when the stars align. Antoine Griezmann is going to fetch a £40 million price tag, according to Transfermarkt. That is a big price tag for a big player. But Wenger has paid it before.

Another aspect in favor of this transfer, as the Guardian points out, is that Chelsea may be looking to Griezmann to save their season. Wenger is not a man fickle enough to nab Griezmann from under Chelsea’s nose for spite’s sake. But as an added benefit? Absolutely.

Not only that, but we have covered Wenger’s affinity for French players ad nauseum. Koscielny, Giroud, etc. When is the last time he made a big French signing? It’s hard to count Debuchy, he faded fast. Griezmann could be that guy to bring Wenger back to his roots.

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January has never been a time for big time signings at Arsenal. Gabriel Paulista was a crucial addition, but it’s hard to qualify it as a big signing. Griezmann would be a big signing. I am hesitant to label it as impossible, though. Wenger is unpredictable in the transfer market. Right when we give up hope, he springs a massive signing on us.

I will leave you with the thought of what this attack would become. With Giroud leading the line, Mesut Ozil in behind him and Alexis and Griezmann on the flanks, this Arsenal attack would be one of the best out there.