Arsenal: 5 versatile forward transfers to target

On the pursuit for forward reinforcements this summer, Arsenal are hoping to be able to cast their net far and wide when the transfer window opens.

Technical director Edu revealed that the club have submitted their plans for the end of the season, likely regarding positions of interest, specific targets and resource distribution. However, he as much as anyone knows that where Arsenal finish the campaign will have a major impact.

If the Gunners are to secure a top four spot, something they are on course to do with them currently boasting a two point advantage over Tottenham with five games left to pay, it provides them with a wealth of options.

All that will prevent them from signing players will be the superiority and longevity of other sides. Having Champions League football to offer and the money required to secure the players they need, the market becomes their oyster, so to speak. Not wanting to break the wage structure will impact dealings, though.

Arsenal: 5 versatile forward transfers to target as Mikel Arteta eyes wide player who can operate as a striker in the coming summer window

But they will at least be dining at the same tables. Should they end up in the Europa League, they will not have such a luxury.

On the long list of areas to target is the forward line. Well known that Arsenal want to sign a centre-forward – likely more of a hold-up/target man No. 9 – they also want to bring in a more versatile option. With Nicolas Pepe likely to depart the club, eyes are on a striker who can play wide, or a wide player who can play striker.

This would give Arteta more flexibility in his selections, which will be needed with European of some variety looking like returning to the Emirates Stadium next season.

With that in mind, who are some of the names around Europe who could offer that, or at least have shown signs that they could be capable of performing both roles?

1. Rafael Leao – AC Milan

After Inter’s shock defeat at Bologna in midweek, AC Milan are now in pole position to secure their first Scudetto since 2011. If they are to do so, much of their success will be attributed to Rafael Leao.

Talk about players on an upwards trajectory. Scoring six and seven respectively during his first two seasons with Milan, this season he’s notched 12 across all competitions, yet it’s his all-round play that has improved dramatically.

Almost solely lining up on the left of the attack, he’s added technical security to his game and creative link-up play in the half-spaces to complement his lightning pace. Tall, sprinty, skillful and sharp, Leao has weighed in with another seven assists this season as he’s refined his direct style into a more well-rounded package.

Capable of playing through the middle although almost exclusively a winger, he has attribute growth that could see him prosper with more specific coaching.

At 22 years old he fits the age profile, he’ll add height (6’2″), versatility and has the technical ability to suit Arsenal. With a coach who has worked with wide players like him before at Man City there is plenty to be interested about.

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