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Arsenal: 5 midfield transfer targets to watch at Euro 2020

By Ross Kennerley

French midfielder Corentin Tolisso listens to questions during a press conference ahead of a friendly football match against Wales on June 2, as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming 2020 EUFA Euro football tournament, in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
French midfielder Corentin Tolisso listens to questions during a press conference ahead of a friendly football match against Wales on June 2, as part of the team's preparation for the upcoming 2020 EUFA Euro football tournament, in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2021. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Konrad Laimer
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 22: Konrad Laimer of RB Leipzig reacts during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and RB Leipzig at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on May 22, 2021 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images) /

2. Konrad Laimer

Nation: Austria
Club: RB Leipzig
Age: 24
Price: £20-£30m?

Konrad Laimer’s name hasn’t been uttered much in the last year. Probably, but not certainly, because he started just one single football match in 2020/21.

Indeed, he was injured. For a very, very long time.

Breaking his ankle in August last year, the Austrian missed the entire Bundesliga season barring one small spurt at the end, culminating in his name being lost amid a sea of other noteworthy midfielders, hence why his price tag is something of a total guess.

When fit, however, he is a proactive, energetic and relentless operator, befitting of RB Leipzig’s style. In 2018/19 – we have to go back to then – he had more successful pressure regains and tackles won per 90 than any other midfielder in the top five divisions. That carried over into 2019/20 where maintained strong progressive qualities and front foot endeavour.

Working either as a single pivot or as part of a two, his wide-ranging skillset sees him make centralised carries as well as helping create overloads out wide to build numerical superiority. Like so many RB players, he’s featured in numerous positions, including at right-back.

Recovering from his injury in time to make the Austria squad this tournament, he now has the perfect opportunity to showcase his ability once more. At a good age and versatile, he’s one to look out for.

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