Dominik Szoboszlai is linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Image source: thelaziali.com
Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who turns out to be a top target for the North Londoners. The Gunners are said to be keeping tabs on his performances for the whole season and also face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for his signature. The Hungarian is understood to be valued at £22m, which looks reasonable given his development in the Austrian top-flight.
The Gunners are toiling to end the season on a high note, which Mikel Arteta sees as a crucial factor before stepping into the transfer window. Arsenal, like the majority of the clubs, have suffered financially due to the pandemic and as a result, they are most likely struggle to land marquee signings. Nonetheless, it hasn’t kept away from being linked with a lot of players especially midfielders like Thomas Partey and Szoboszlai.
“What we do today or in the next five weeks will have a big impact on what we have to do in the summer,” Arteta said last month about Arsenal’s transfer plans. (h/t Goal.com)
We have to put a plan [in place] to improve our squad, that’s first, fulfil the ambitions that we have, have the right players to support the talented young players that we have.
Dominik Szoboszlai – a star in the making
While breaking into the Salzburg’s main team in 18/19 season, this season has seen the 19-year-old getting enough laurels – courtesy of his tally of 10 goals and 16 assists in all competitions. Szoboszlai had set alight the Austrian Bundesliga this term and also had a notable impact in the Champions League – a goal and an assist in five appearances – before Salzburg got eliminated at the hands of Liverpool in the group stage.
Having shown his ability to play across any positions in the midfield, the Hungarian is best suited being the team’s advanced playmaker (No.10) and thus can be a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil at Arsenal. The German veteran’s decline has been evident in recent years, with Arteta and the previous manager Unai Emery struggling to slot him into the playing 11.
Szoboszlai can be also deployed as a central midfielder – a free-roaming N0.8 – if Arteta sticks with the traditional 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 – the formation which he has been using of late. The Hungarian’s quick decision making, and the knack of vertical passes makes him a deadly option in the counters. His influence in the attacking third – shown by his numbers – can have a major impact in the Gunners’ midfield.
The Hungarian prospect is also being tracked by the Rossoneri, and Arsenal shouldn’t be hesitant in bringing him to North London.
