Arsenal: 15 left-back & right-back summer transfer targets

Robin Gosens – Atalanta

When Leicester signed Timothy Castagne in the previous summer window, many claimed they brought in the wrong full-back from Atalanta.

On the opposite flank sits German Robin Gosens, whose stats may as well be read out in comparison to forwards since they’re quite remarkable. Operating as the left wing-back in the Italian side’s gloriously entertaining system and approach, Gosens’ contributions in forward areas are….worth listing out.

He is in the top 99th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.28) and npxG (0.2) per 90; the top 97% for shots taken and npxG+xA, also averaging 0.19 assists per game. The 26-year-old loves driving into the opposition box, taking just shy of four touches in that area per game, and for build-up play his 6.13 progressive passes per 90 have him in the top 94% for players in his position across the top five leagues.

Someone who always plays advanced, his defensive output sees him make the vast majority of his tackles in middle and final third, which is crucial since Arsenal have struggled to sustain pressure during matches and counter press effectively.

Everything screams ‘sign me’, but at 26 years old there is little chance Gosens would accept playing second fiddle. He’s in his prime.

Can’t beat a man for trying, though.