Arsenal’s cut-price Corentin Tolisso gamble from Bayern Munich

Is Corentin Tolisso a Gamble Worth Taking for Arsenal?

There are obvious concerns that shroud any move for Tolisso. But, strip all the negativity back and you’re presented with an exceptional central midfielder that needs both a change of scenery and a run of games – maybe some new legs, too.

Someone who can dictate a game from midfield, he is constantly stretching opposition sides with his range of distribution, the like that incites fear and overcompensation into the opponents. With that string to his bow, he can then cause a stir with a separate array of skills. Armed with a fierce shot, his goalscoring ability from that area of the pitch is weapon Arsenal have lacked since the departure of Aaron Ramsey.

The lack of goals from midfield in north London has been an ever-present issue since the Welshman, whereas Tolisso is coming up to 50 in his career at just over 250 outings. Whether from distance or after a late surge into the box, he’d add a different dimension in the side.

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Well-rounded and adept at one and two-touch football, his dynamism would slot in nicely in Arteta’s fluid system, not least since he’s played in a variety of positions in his career from left-winger to holding midfield.

What will put Tolisso down the pecking order when compared to other targets is his lack of Premier League experience. It’s a valid point, but he’ll dangle his World Cup, Champions League and countless German domestic medals in your face in riposte.

In terms of fee, Bayern know they can’t hold anyone to ransom for someone with his injury record and length of contract remaining. With the quoted fee last summer thought to be in the region of £30m, a healthy reduction can be expected this time around. He could, in theory, be brought in for what Lucas Torreira may leave for.

Can Arsenal see past the injuries? Previous regimes have overlooked broken backs. Should they see past the injuries, take the player for what he can be, snap at a cut-price fee and take experience over promise and youth?

Tolisso is an undoubted upgrade on what Arsenal have. Dani Ceballos is an inconsistent option on a permanent deal for a similar fee and Elneny looks certain to depart. The need for quality in that department is high up on the list of priorities. However, those pesky injuries strike fear into the heart.

If the Frenchman can shake them off and join for a bargain, it’s a nailed-on move. Big if, though, as Arsenal are in no position to be splashing their cash on keeping the treatment room warm. There’s enough of that already.