Arsenal: 5 striker transfer targets after Dusan Vlahovic blow

2. Kelechi Iheanacho – Leicester

Age: 25
Contract expiry: 2024
Rumoured fee: N/A

Whispered quietly in some quarters, Kelechi Iheanacho has attracted a decent following from Arsenal supporters who see his role as a No.10/No.9 hybrid as the ideal central pivot for this young team to work around.

Someone who you could argue has been a victim of his own versatility, not being tied to any one position has held him back. However, a stunning end to last season where he netted 11 goals and clocked up two assists in the final 12 Premier League matches of the season appeared to act as his breakthrough moment.

It hasn’t transpired this campaign with Patson Daka’s summer acquisition limiting his playing time, but based off of the form he’s capable of producing there remains admirers for him.

Operating in that second striker type role where he has runners beyond him – Jamie Vardy was his man last season – he was able to impact matches in varying ways. Quick enough to run in behind and run the channels, it’s his vision that is underrated. With bodies moving around him he can come alive, and his xA of 0.27 p/90 is mightily impressive. A neat and tidy passer, Iheanacho always looks to be direct with the ball with 1.75 key passes p/90 worthy of the 91st percentile.

There are a lot of Lacazette-esque traits when watching him, albeit without the physical presence, but he is someone with that burst of pace who, unlike the Frenchman, likes to get shots off when he can.

A tad frustrating at times, heavily one-footed and not in his best vein of form, despite all that, as far as second strikers go he’s certainly an interesting option.

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