Arsenal: 5 transfer targets being tracked at Euro 2020

It’s the European Championships! In other words, a wonderfully timed tournament to take minds away from the daily summer transfer window grind as Arsenal supposedly miss out on players they probably weren’t linked with anyway.

But that does not mean that this isn’t time to switch off entirely. In many ways it can be viewed as a glorified scouting mission – which, in truth, it 100% is for football clubs. It was Euro 2008 that prompted Arsenal to splash out on Andrey Arshavin, after all.

As fans try to cram in every single game they can (not too hard since they’re spread out quite nicely) certain names will crop up as the breakout stars only to be linked with every single major European side before they’ve even gone in for half-time.

It’s an excellent opportunity not only to unearth some gems, but also to get a good look at players who are already on your radar. Perform at the highest level and surely you’ll do a better job than Sead Kolasinac or Mohamed Elneny.

Arsenal: 5 transfer targets being tracked at Euro 2020 by Mikel Arteta and Edu ahead of summer window

Arsenal have their own lists drawn up just as all other sides will do, one The Athletic have revealed features at least four names on.

Mikel Arteta has multiple positions to fill before 31 August, some which are being worked on if reports are to be believed, and some that have been almost completely unmentioned up until this point. None of that is overly surprising given there are 12 weeks of negotiations and scouting to come before the window slams shut, so patience is need.

Euro 2020 could ramp up some moves, though. Player value can drastically alter based on just one or two performances, for better or for worse.

Just being involved in the tournament can increase value but the following list blends some potential coups as well as some deals that will truly test the KSE piggybank. Or could it be the Daniel Ek piggybank?

Enough of that, here’s who Arsenal are scouting during Euro 2020.

Jules Kounde – France & Sevilla

This one just won’t go away. Amid France’s embarrassment of riches at centre-back – Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Aymeric Laporte didn’t even make the senior squad before the latter switched allegiances – it’s testament to Jules Kounde’s ability that he’s earned a first senior squad call-up.

On first glance his height would raise concerns. Standing at 5’10”, he isn’t the archetypal central defender, but once the game kicks off he dispels any fears.

Already truly outstanding, Kounde is waltzing his way towards the world-class bracket. Few defenders across the continent blend off the ball aggression, technical composure and progressive qualities with such harmony; especially not 22-year-old’s with just four seasons of top-flight football under their belts.

Excelling in every department, his progressive carries, dribbles completed and pressure success rate are all worthy of the top 1% for centre-backs across Europe. The kind of player any side would want, right? Precisely.

Kounde remains ‘high on Arsenal’s’ list of desired right centre-backs and no fan wouldn’t welcome him with open arms, but with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea all after his signature, one worth no less than £50m, the Gunners’ pursuit is fairly pointless. All three of those sides boast the Champions League football he’s after, so for all Arsenal’s interest, they will inevitably fall short.

But, they’re still tracking him and if he makes his way into the France starting lineup, everyone who hasn’t seen him will know why.

Joachim Andersen – Denmark & Lyon

Another link that hasn’t died down since it first came to light is that of Danish centre-back Joachim Andersen.

Familiar to Premier League audiences after spending last season on loan at Fulham, the 25-year-old is being courted by a surprising number of English clubs despite him not offering the most statistically alluring profile.

From a defensive standpoint – which is invariably quite important – the only areas he stands out from the crowd in are his volume of clearances (95th percentile) and tackles in the attacking third (89th percentile). These are otherwise unappealing figures for a player attracting interest from Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, and the talk coming out of France is one of surprise given his failure to break into the first team at Lyon and having just been relegated with the Cottagers.

The last point is important since defensive stats rarely stack up well compared to others when your team is getting beat almost every week. Where Andersen does look strong is in his long distribution, with a high number of successful switches, and in the air where he’s won 75.8% of his aerial duels in the past year. The Athletic counter that last point using data to suggest he only wins the aerials he should win and comes up short against more evenly matched opponents.

Andersen is a good defender, one who now has Premier League experience. Arsenal could do much worse but crikey they could do much better. As it is he’s being tracked by Arteta, although Tottenham are supposedly leading the race.

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.

Ruben Neves – Portugal & Wolves

Someone who doesn’t feature on The Athletic’s list (because they really don’t need to) is Ruben Neves, who has been linked with Arsenal in pretty much every publication around.

Talks have been underway with Wolves over his potential signing, one that would cost upwards of £35m, a fee Arsenal would rather avoid.

Given that Wolves are excruciatingly boring to watch and last season when they came on the television re-runs of Love Island made for more enjoyable viewing, Neves being away with Portugal at the Euros could provide fans with a glimpse of him on the biggest stage.

It will also give Arsenal another chance to get a look at him, working on the basis that he does indeed start for Portugal. The Euro 2016 winners have a wealth of options in the centre of the park, albeit not overly strong ones, which may work against Neves earning a starting spot.

Kicking off their tournament against Hungary, if Neves doesn’t earn a start there that doesn’t mean he might not get the chance in following matches against France and Germany. His skillset and superb cross-field passes would work a treat in a side that loves to break with pace and stretch the game quickly.

Alexander Isak – Sweden & Real Sociedad

There is a divide on whether Arsenal need to invest in a centre-forward this summer with the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette likely to be away from north London, and if the club do look to invest then Alexander Isak is someone who is ‘highly-rated by technical director Edu’.

The need for a new striker will become clearer at the end of next season, but as something different to what Arsenal currently have, the 21-year-old is an exciting prospect.

Being high on the Gunners’ potential striker list, his 17 non-penalty goals from 14.7 npxG was an impressive return in La Liga last term. His npxG per 90 minutes was second only to Lionel Messi among the strikers in Spain last season.

As the centre-forward to play under Arteta, Isak is near perfect. He profiles excellently as someone who can drift into wide zones, use his technical ability and strength in the right areas and who come short to act as a linking piece in the final third.

Isak will, however, cost a fortune with a £60m release clause in his contract (even if it’s believed that can be negotiated down) and for this summer his services won’t be needed with no European football and, currently, five centre-forward options on the books.

Nonetheless, he’s only being ‘monitored’ by Arsenal with a view to a potential move in the future and a strong showing for Sweden Group E could very well prompt a change of stance.