Arsenal open talks for ideal Rodrigo De Paul transfer

How Arsenal Would Use Rodrigo De Paul

De Paul would be an ideal signing for Arsenal, in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1.

For the former, the Argentine’s role would be a fairly simple one. As the right-sided No. 8 it would be his job to patrol that channel and use his outstanding carrying ability to shift Arsenal through the thirds with greater urgency and purpose. In Arteta’s system relationships are vital and striking up a partnership with either Bukayo Saka or Nicolas Pepe on the right and whoever the right-back is would be key.

Very much a ‘give me the ball and I’ll do the work’ figure at Udinese, learning the release the shackles would be important as he is so often tasked with being I Bianconeri’s everything man. This can result in over-complicating matters he needn’t do, perhaps a result of the burden he’s shouldered with.

As a 4-3-3, where the issue lie is in defensive work. De Paul doesn’t do any of it. Happy to press high, anything beyond the halfway line isn’t dealt with by anything remotely resembling the quality he has in attacking phases. He isn’t consistent in his defensive output nor is he effective. If operating at the No. 8 in this system some serious work would be needed in that department.

In the 4-2-3-1 he would slot in as the No. 10, in a much similar way to how Odegaard performed the role when he was there. De Paul likes to come deep and progress with carries and passes, much like the Norwegian, while he also thrives in the right half-space.

He does the role of the No. 8 brilliantly in progressing play and adds the chance creation you’d want from a No. 10. Ticking the boxes for all five attacking principles, him working in tandem with a Emile Smith Rowe off the left who likes to drift infield flanked by Kieran Tierney could see him effectively mirror the Real Madrid man.

So, what would he cost? Figures at the minute are hovering around the £35m mark, a fairly nominal fee given what he’d contribute but one that comes with some degree of concern. As mentioned, his defensive output is weak (Odegaard’s was statistically worse), but it’s his age that is only slightly troubling. It’s not a big issue, but at 27 years old he would constitute a hefty outlay for someone with one big move left in him.

Undoubtedly Arsenal could extract serious value from that, but they recently forked out £45m for a 27-year-old Thomas Partey and if for any reason it doesn’t work out they find themselves in a weak position.

Is he worth it, though? Oh yes, and it’s a deal that would certainly gets fans up off their seats. Some players are worth pushing the boat out for.