Arsenal: 8 Emi Buendia alternative transfer targets

Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig

Dani Olmo would be perfect in this Arsenal side as a floating No. 10 hybrid. Absolutely perfect. Although that can be said of most clubs, he really is that talented.

And before we delve deep, yes, it would require some serious money to prise him away from RB Leipzig considering he’s only been there for 18 months and is under contract until 2024. But he’d fit in like a glove.

Spain’s most versatile forward is comfortable playing on either wing, as a No. 8 or No. 10 and does just about everything one could want from someone in any of those positions. Technically astounding, his control in tight spaces and ability to receive and give the ball under pressure is his best quality.

Averaging 10.15 passes under pressure per 90 sees him sit in the 98th percentile, with his charming ability to draw the opposition in and release with ease making him lethal in the final third. It’s in those spaces where he delights, making 3.81 passes into the final third, 2.19 passes into the penalty area and 5.60 progressive passes per 90 minutes.

While he carries the ball he isn’t a progressive carrier, instead always looking to win the ball high up the pitch to sustain periods attack: 6.45 successful pressures for a 34.7% completion is worthy of 99th percentile. In play his SCA from live passes averages at 3.18 per 90 minutes for 93rd percentile and a staggering 9.24 ball recoveries per game epitomises his worth in the final third.

Arsenal don’t sustain and they don’t recycle quick enough. For the spells where they are camped outside the opposition box they need those with the security and vision to probe and produce. Olmo provides all of that.

If you’re wanting someone to maximize possession, raise the tempo through the third and complement the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, there are few better.