Arsenal: Yacine Adli shot in dark worth taking

Arsenal, per RMC Sport, have agreed to terms with Yacine Adli, signing the Paris Saint-Germain youngster to a three-year deal. It is a complete shot in the dark, but it is one worth taking.

It looks as though Arsenal are set to make their second signing of the Unai Emery era. After confirming the free-agent acquisition of Stephan Lichtsteiner on Tuesday, the Gunners, per a report from French publication RMC Sport, have agreed to a three-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain youngster Yacine Adli.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

The deal is believed to a have a two-year extension option also, with the club clearly wary of being in a position to execute long-term security of a potential star.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

The 17-year-old, who was a part of the PSG youth set-up while current Arsenal Head Coach Unai Emery was the manager, rejected offers from the French club and, per RMC Sport, was a target of the north London club prior to Emery’s arrival, though it would be foolish to think that the Spanish coach was not, at the very least, consulted on the potential acquisition given that he has worked with the player for two years.

In all reality, this is a shot-in-the-dark signing. It is difficult to forecast a career for a 17-year-old and it would not be all that surprising if the exciting midfielder was sent on loan during the first two or three years of his time at the Emirates so that he can receive some regular and sustained playing time, something that he is unlikely to find otherwise.

But that does not mean that Adli is not worth signing. He is free, his wages will not be especially draining on the budget, and he has talent. It may be a roll of the dice, but it is one that carries very little risk and a whole lot of reward.

The midfielder was named as PSG’s Oustanding Youth Prospect last season, has represented the French national side at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level, scoring an impressive 13 goals in 33 appearances across the different age divisions, and has obviously caught Emery’s eye as a player with potential who is worth investing in.

Naturally, he is an attacking midfield with good instincts, creative play on the ball, and a nice awareness of space and how to exploit it. He is also tall, especially for his position, standing at just short of 6-foot, and uses his frame to his advantage.

Next: Arsenal: Top 3 midfield solutions

Will he ever make the grade at Arsenal? I have absolutely no idea. No one does. He is a complete and utter shot in the dark, but one that is well worth taking.