Over the years, Arsenal have been known for their expansive and free-flowing football, attracting attention and ultimately playing the best football in Europe.
Mikel Arteta has strengthened this system during his time in charge at the Emirates, with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice fitting the style of play well with their passing skills.
It allowed the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to flourish in north London, scoring a combined 29 goals in the Premier League last season.
However, it is the defensive side of Arsenal's game that has been the most impressive aspect of their performance, conceding just 29 goals in 38 games last campaign – an average of just 0.76 per game.
It was undoubtedly the reason why the Gunners took the title on the final day, but unfortunately, it was not enough to dislodge Manchester City, who have won the title in six of the last seven Premier League campaigns.
Despite their back-to-back successes, the Spaniard is not satisfied with his current options and is looking to strengthen his squad during the transfer window.
Arteta and his team have already identified one player, who is likely to join the Gunners instead of major rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal are interested in signing the 19-year-old talent
According to Italian outlet Pianeta Lecce, Arsenal are favorites to sign defender Patrick Dorgu despite interest from London rivals Spurs.
Liverpool have also been monitoring the Danish talent in recent months, but the report claims that if the Gunners match Lecce's €30m (£25.3m) asking price, they could agree to a move to the Emirates.
Arteta looking to strengthen at left-back is not surprising given Oleksandr Zinchenko's lack of form, while he should slot Jakub Kiwior into an unnatural wide role compared to his central position.
Dorgu's move to the Emirates could allow him to form a strong relationship with some of the talent that has played in Serie A over the past 12 months.
Why Dorgu would be perfect next to Calafiori
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori in recent days, with talks progressing over a £42.3m move to the Emirates.
He has enjoyed a successful Euro 2024, featuring in every minute of the Italian tournament before the Last 16 exit in Switzerland last weekend – prompting the Gunners' interest to accelerate.
The Italian would be a great partnership with Dorgu, especially considering the excellent Serie A statistics produced by Lecce last campaign.
The “big” youngster, as described by scout @danieIscouting, excelled at both ends of the pitch, showing his skills in defense and in the attacking third.
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Patrick Dorgu's stats for 90 in Serie A (2023/24) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
32 |
|
Fighting |
2.5 |
|
Erasure |
2.6 |
|
Aerials won |
1.6 |
|
Successful adoption |
0.9 |
|
Continuous carriers |
2.1 |
|
Actions to create a gun |
2.3 |
|
Statistics with FBref |
|
In Serie A last season, the 19-year-old averaged 2.5 tackles in 90 and 2.6 clearances as he helped Lecce secure their status in Italy's top flight for another campaign.
However, his offensive stats are just as impressive, completing 0.9 takeaways and 2.1 continuous carries, while contributing 2.3 shot-creating actions, helping offensive players create carnage in the final third.
He may cost the club a fortune, but Arteta and Arsenal will be getting themselves a talented young man who could break into the first team.
At just 19, Dorgu has the potential to develop into a world-class talent in a star-studded area, possibly the final piece in the Gunners' defensive puzzle.
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