Arsenal summer transfer stance on Odsonne Edouard revealed

Odsonne Edouard Negatives for Arsenal

This writer has waxed lyrical about the the striker on numerous occasions, citing his wide-ranging skill set, intelligence, technical ability, speed, movement and age as reasons for pursuing. However, what would hold the Gunners back? Is there anything that may put them off?

Looking at Edouard, he boasts the height you’d want from a centre-forward, standing just short of Aubameyang in that department. With that you’d expect decent aerial ability, but he isn’t a daunting presence in the air. Arsenal need someone who is adept at this.

While it isn’t the usual point of attack for Arsenal, sides sitting in a deep low block need to be penetrated from differing angles, and crosses into the box are a valuable asset. As it is, there are no decent headers of the ball at the club who aren’t centre-backs.

Part of the reason Edouard isn’t as commanding in the air – he’s scored four headers all his career – is that he lacks the physicality. Edouard is no pushover, far from it, but he is someone who could do with bulking up if he were to arrive in England.

The Scottish Premiership is physical but not on par with the Premier League in that respect, and the need for Edouard to bulk up is certain.

Despite that, Leicester and Aston Villa showing interest evidences the fact his other attributes remain admirable. Brendan Rodgers’ interest will be with an eye on eventually succeeding Jamie Vardy, and no manager in the division knows the Frenchman better than him. As for Villa, they already have Ollie Watkins, who is yet to miss a single minute of Premier League football but is still being eyed by Dean Smith.

The interest in Edouard is wide-ranging, and Arsenal will have a battle on their hands should they wish to proceed.