Arsenal eye interesting Muldur and Gutierrez double transfer

Arsenal Scouting Sassuolo’s Mert Muldur

If someone had said Arsenal were looking at a Turkish right-back over the summer then it wouldn’t have been Mert Muldur. Instead, it would likely have been the guy who actually played right-back in all three of the country’s Euro 2020 group matches, Zeki Celik.

Unfortunately for Celik, his performances in the tournament did little to rise his stock.

Not too much can be looked into individuals performances at Turkey since the whole team massively underperformed when they were being touted as ‘dark horses’, so Muldur’s name comes across as a surprise mention.

Arsenal have been watching the 22-year-old over the past year and, interestingly, are viewing him as an option for either full-back position.

Spending last season at right-back for Sassuolo, the Austrian-born defender made two appearances and one start at the Euros in the left-back slot, demonstrating his versatility. Using the eye test, this is someone brimming with confidence in his own technical ability. An engaging defender who wants to take his man on and drive his team up the pitch with his runs, the lack of attacking output over the past 12 months casts some doubt over his suitability.

Recording a npxG+xA of just 0.09 when compared to other full-backs in Europe over the past 365 days, his key passes (8th percentile), passes into the penalty area (35th percentile) and shot-creating actions (29th percentile) don’t cover him in attacking glory.

Equally, in terms of defensive output, he records 2.97 tackles and interceptions per 90, doesn’t apply pressure with any alluring success (26.3%) and can get caught out further up the pitch.

So, why are Arsenal so keen? It comes back to the visual aspect because there are some exciting traits in his play to counteract the numbers. Of course, as well, different team styles have a different impact on the statistics.

Muldur does like to play on the front foot and he regularly changes his game up to chop inside and drive down the channels as well as seeking the overlap, and if the scouting department can see the true potential in him then that’s impressive work because, as it stands, he doesn’t look like the kind of player to waltz into a Premier League side and raise the bar.

There is definite talent there, however. He needs to hit the gym a bit and polish some aspects of his game, but on view this is an exciting prospect, even if the statistics don’t quite paint that picture.

One to look out for.