Arsenal could sign £51m Odegaard to partner Musiala
This transfer window has been quiet so far for Arsenal, with David Raya the only addition, making his loan spell at the Emirates permanent ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
However, defender Riccardo Calafiori could be the club's second addition this summer, as journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he has passed a medical and is set to join the club in the US.
Mikel Arteta finally seems to have won the race for the Italians, but the Spaniard is still looking for reinforcements in midfield to strengthen his side's chances of winning the Premier League this season.
Mikel Merino is the latest name to be linked with a move to the Emirates, looking to take advantage of his contract situation, entering talks with Real Sociedad over a potential deal for the Euro 2024 winner.
Despite progress in negotiations, Arteta's side should be on the lookout for a move for the Merino international, who is likely to be available for a price this summer.
Arsenal should continue to sign £51m worth of talent this summer
In recent weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo following his impressive form in Spain at Euro 2024.
The Spaniard, who has registered three goals and two assists in European competition this summer, has interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, and the Gunners need to act quickly to secure his services.
His performances at Euro 2024 catapulted him into the limelight, with the Spanish talent finally getting the recognition he deserves.
It was previously reported that he has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his current contract with the Bundesliga club, which is a considerable amount for a player of his caliber.
Despite enjoying a successful campaign this summer, his stats for the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign are equally impressive, with Olmo ranking almost as well as the talent that has taken to the pitch in recent years.
Why Olmo is the same player as Musiala and is good for Odegaard
Jamal Musiala has established himself as one of the best youngsters in world football over the past few years, playing for German giants Bayern Munich.
Since making his club debut in 2020, the 21-year-old has made 163 appearances for the club, scoring 43 goals and providing the same number of assists – an average contribution of one goal every 0.5 games for Bayern.
However, despite his impressive stats, Olmo matched or even bettered some of his 90 stats in 2023/24, with FBref ranking the Spaniard as the same player as the German star.
In the Bundesliga, the “world class” Olmo, as described by journalist Victor Catalina, registered fewer goals or assists than Musiala, but managed to contribute more assists per 90 than the German.
How Olmo and Musiala compare in Bundesliga (2023/24) |
||
---|---|---|
Mathematics |
Olmo |
Don't miss it |
Games |
21 |
24 |
Terms + help |
9 |
15 |
Comes in 90 |
0.31 |
0.25 |
Passes completed |
32 |
32 |
Recovery |
4.7 |
4.7 |
Progressive reaches the final third |
3 |
3 |
Statistics with FBref |
He also registered the same number of passes in 90, while matching the Bayern ace's progression into the final third – making him the perfect partner for current Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, both of whom love to ride the ball and play forward as well. by any chance.
The Norwegian excelled in a box-to-box role last season, retrieving the ball before playing forward, with Olmo slotting into the skin, as evidenced by his 4.7 recovery figures per 90 – key figures to finish the game, before letting him go. to show his creative side.
Merino could be a cheap alternative for the Gunners this season, but Olmo has plenty of qualities that could benefit Arteta's side. He can play multiple roles in the midfield, making him a versatile option who can make an impact on both ends of the field.
£51m in today's market for a player of his quality is a huge sum, and the Gunners need to act quickly to secure his services, amid strong interest from various other English sides.
Source link