Arsenal: 5 transfer targets being tracked at Euro 2020

Denis Zakaria –  Switzerland & Borussia Mönchengladbach

A name that has hovered around Europe for a couple of years now is finally starting to reemerge on the scene having battled his way back from a long-term injury. Denis Zakaria went from being courted by the continent’s big-hitters – there was strong Manchester City interest – to falling off the wagon.

Not of his own doing, the Swiss international has been plagued by injury issues and been forced to miss over 250 days of action in recent seasons.

Now returned, his case has become even more enticing as he enters the final year of his contract with no renewal in sight. Borussia Mönchengladbach do not want to lose him for free in 12 months and will sanction a sale, one that will cost interested parties a meagre £17m.

Recycling possession; dropping into defence to form a back three and aid build up; using his pace to cover deep runners; utilising height and strength to win duels and adding presence in both boxes, he has it all. Unfortunately, none of that has been able to flourish with a forgettable 365 days.

Statistically he comes up short – due to his injuries and subsequent losing of his place in the Mönchengladbach team – and any buyers will be living on the promise of what form he may be able to rekindle. What hasn’t faded from his game, however, is his immense ball carrying ability. In his last 900 minutes of action he sits in the 99th percentile for central midfielders who dribble and carry.

Arsenal have nonetheless kept tracking him and may ironically be considering Zakaria as a replacement for his international teammate, whom joined the Gunners from the very same club. With form not on his side, his injury recod and a lack of Premier League experience that would result in a bedding in period, there is definite risk involved. He is available on a bargain, however, the question is whether that figure even is one anymore.