Arsenal: 7 Martin Odegaard transfer alternatives

4. Aleksandr Golovin – Monaco

Someone who profiles excellently for what Arsenal are after is Aleksandr Golovin, who put himself in the shop window three years ago with some fine displays for Russia as they narrowly missed out on the World Cup semi-finals with a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.

Another player who fits the ‘I can play pretty much anywhere mould’, Golovin burst into life last season when Niko Kovac was finally able to play him following a lengthy hamstring injury. Out of action for 14 league matches, he came back into the side and helped elevate Monaco into title contenders before eventually finishing in third place.

Playing just 21 times in Ligue 1 (12 starts), Golovin racked up an impressive five goals and nine assists, giving him a npxG+xA of 0.64 which has him in the 95th percentile. 3.03 key passes per game is also 98th percentile worthy while his passing numbers from dead ball or otherwise demonstrate his importance to Monaco in link-up, build-up and tempo dictation. Of all, his 10.86 (99th percentile) passes under pressure highlight his excellent close control and press evasion.

Given he also plays deeper, his tackling and interception numbers are exceptional while for every pressure statistic other than defensive third pressures he’s 98th percentile or higher.

Really silky on the ball, quick off the ground and superb playing inside or outside, what will please Premier League fans above all is his 3,353 lungs. Hyperbole, yes (maybe), but there are few footballer in world football who can run like Golovin and never, ever tire. Already in Euro 2020 he’s clocked the biggest distance ran with 12.5km, while his ridiculous 16km covered against Spain in 2018 topped all the charts.

One to look at for.