Arsenal: 7 Martin Odegaard transfer alternatives

2. Nikola Vlasic – CSKA Moscow

Nikola Vlasic? Didn’t he play for Everton and do…pretty much nothing?

You would be correct. The first thought that will come to mind with the Croatian will be his spell at Goodison Park, which was incredibly underwhelming. In 12 Premier League appearances featuring out on the right wing of a 4-2-3-1 he clocked up a miserable 0.04 xG per 90 and 0.12 xA per 90, among the lowest in the division.

However he has transformed himself since departing Merseyside for CSKA Moscow, finding a new lease of life operating at the No. 10 in the same system.

Vlasic sits in the 86th percentile for ball progression, making him the fifth best of attacking midfielders in the top five European leagues this season, while his eye for goal has not gone unnoticed either. 11 goals from 24 Premier Liga outings was followed by five assists, as the 23-year-old uses surprisingly strong dribbling ability to weave through challenges and have a pop at goal. He rarely turns down a chance to shoot.

Under contract with CSKA until 2024, if he’s given his chance to shine for Croatia in the European Championships his value could certainly increase and entice other European clubs. What he wouldn’t be, however, is a crowd pleaser.

Arsenal fans won’t be overawed by someone classed as an Everton flop, even if he’s come on leaps and bounds since his last spell in England. Vlasic profiles very well, but perhaps doesn’t pique much excitement.