Why Arsenal must make a move for young Angelo Stiller
According to Sport Bild (h/t Daily Mail), Premier League side Arsenal are chasing Bayern Munich teenager Angelo Stiller.
The talented midfielder had impressed the Gunners scouts after putting up some impressive displays for his side in the UEFA Youth League this term. The 19-year-old registered six assists from six games in the youth competition, garnering interest from Mikel Arteta’s side. However, the young sensation is yet to make a senior appearance for Bayern Munich and will be out of contract by 2021.
With as many as eight talented midfielders in the senior side, chances are going to be increasingly limited for Stiller, who is eager to make a first-team appearance. Bayern already have Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez, Thiago Alcantara, Corentin Tolisso, and few others, meaning, Stiller’s hopes of a senior team entry will take some time.
That said, Arsenal have shown an interest in the young talent, who played against them in the pre-season friendlies last summer. However, Bayern can only fulfill Stiller’s wishes if they can secure a buy-back option.
Stiller can offer Arsenal creativity in the middle
Arsenal, meanwhile, have endured a difficult spell in the Premier League this season, with the side currently lying a lowly 9th in the table. Having scored just 40 goals from 28 league games, Arsenal have lacked creativity in the middle that has seen them slip down the rankings this term.
Despite having as many as six midfielders in their ranks, the Gunners have failed to impress this season, with veteran Ozil being the top assist provider in the middle. The German himself has managed just two league assists this season, giving a clear glimpse of Arsenal’s issues in the midfield this season.
Even the arrival of Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos has not helped them, with the Spaniard also managing just two assists so far. However, he is soon expected to depart to his parent club when his loan term ends in the summer, leaving them with just Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira and Joe Willock in the middle.
Of these Xhaka and Torreira play a more defensive role while youngsters Guendouzi and Willock are yet to fulfill their potential. That said, Arsenal could really do with a midfielder in the mould of Stiller, who is known for his creativity despite playing in a deeper role.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Stiller is also capable of functioning from the middle, making him a valuable asset. Thus, Arsenal should continue their interest in the young Bayern talent and land him soon.
Read more:
- Why Arsenal signing Kai Havertz would improve their attack
- Why Arsenal should make a move for Cengiz Under
- La Liga giants set the price for 23-year-old Arsenal target Dani Ceballos– Should Arteta splash £44m?
Verdict
Arsenal’s displays this season show that they lack a creative midfielder in their midst. In young Stiller, the Gunners would have a mix of a defensive midfielder blessed with excellent creativity – something which he has already proved with the Bayern youth sides. Moreover, he is still in his teens and could develop into a good talent under coach Arteta’s guidance if everything goes well.
