Arsenal could land Marcel Sabitzer transfer on bargain fee

Marcel Sabitzer With Be a Magnificent Signing for Arsenal

One need only to look at Austria’s opening goal of their 3-1 win to have the above question answered.

What. A. Pass.

The assist of the tournament is already wrapped up. Sabitzer’s ball was out of this world.

But instead of a knee-jerk reaction to one to goal, Sabitzer would bring Arsenal everything they want in the centre of the park. Or indeed anywhere on the pitch, since he’s so versatile he can play pretty much every position. On Sunday he lined up on the left wing, allowed to drift inside and dominate the half-spaces, while for RB Leipzig he’s played on either wing, at centre-forward, as a false nine, an attacking midfielder or deeper in midfield.

What has taken place of the past 18 months, however, is a natural shift into central midfield permanently. There he is still the rock he’s always been for RB Leipzig, demonstrating grace and leadership in the engine room.

With Granit Xhaka’s distribution in need of replacing, Sabitzer’s range of pass with either foot is even better. They come from all angles, whether through balls between the lines or these delightful scooped crosses he makes either early or en route to the byline. The quality of his passing is outstanding, but so too the timing and direction of them. 7.10 progressive passes per 90 (96th percentile) and 1.93 passes into the penalty area (97th percentile) demonstrate that ability isn’t going to waste.

Sabitzer is someone who loves to shoot and is a regular goal threat from anywhere across the pitch, currently boasting a 93rd percentile rating for non penalty expected goals. With 52 goals and 42 assists in 227 RB Leipzig appearances across six seasons, he has a proven track record.

£15m is ridiculous money. An outrageous bargain. Having just turned 27 the midfielder is now coming into his prime, and while Arsenal would preferably be bringing in players of a younger profile, the need for experience and leadership remains key with numerous senior stars heading for the exit door.

For this kind of money it is a no-brainer.