Arsenal open Andre Silva talks over £34m transfer

Andre Silva Would Aid Central Progression & Bring Goals to Arsenal

Whoever plays centre-forward for Arsenal has to be able to aid in various phases of the play. As games wear on and the ball is dominated Aubameyang drops off less yet there can be no passengers.

Silva, in Frankfurt’s 3-4-2-1 system does the linking element effectively and simply. With two No.10/8 hybrids either side he will come short for one or two touch build up with willing runners beyond, a valuable tool in centralised progression – someone previously listed as a potential target.

His xG from ball progression is in the 90th percentile which demonstrates his intelligence in using picking the right passes during these phases of play. Silva’s technical ability stands out in these moments and averaging 9.00 passes under pressure is an example of the confidence he has to invite bodies and play his way out of tight spaces.

Not an overly creative passer, he can carry the ball into dangerous areas too while his ball retention is above average for centre-forwards across Europe.

But, of course, it’s his goalscoring that is the main feature. Sure, with pace to his side he does the connective elements well, you just can’t ignore his scoring numbers.

What will please Arteta – if he is as interested as claimed – is that Silva is strong in the air. Standing at little over six foot, he scored eight headed goals last season, which is apparently with some credit to Cristiano Ronaldo who has been offering his insight during Portugal training.

Silva has an array of finishes with either foot, all of which are very pure. There is real conviction with his shooting, no half measures, and he strikes the ball well and true each time; whether drilled low or bent high, it always looks natural.

It would be fair to say on a few occasions that he has had the rub of the green, whether it be a fortunate deflection into his path or goalkeeper parry – but you make your own luck. Also, in terms of service, Silva has been well fed: Filip Kostic and Daichi Kamada had a joint 32 assists in 2020/21.

Is this a deal Arsenal should pursue?