Why signing Aleksandr Golovin could strengthen Arsenal’s squad

Aleksandr Golovin is a wanted player. The 22-year-old impressed playing for Russia in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2018. The hosts, written off by many pundits before the tournament got underway, were excellent as they knocked out Spain in the Round of 16 before losing on penalties to Croatia in the quarterfinals.

Golovin played all four matches for Russia, playing 402 minutes in total. The CSKA Moscow academy graduate was named Man of the Match in the opening game 5-0 rout against Saudi Arabia. Golovin scored once and provided two assists as Russia got off to a perfect start.

The right-footed midfielder, who plays for CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League, has not been short of suitors. He has attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Monaco and Juventus.

Arsenal’s interest in the player, who impressed against the Gunners in Europa League last season, has reportedly cooled off since Arsene Wenger’s departure. His successor, Unai Emery, has already made two signings this summer as he starts the post-Wenger era at the Emirates.

Cross-city rivals, Chelsea have been the beneficiaries and are odds-on favourites to sign the versatile midfielder. Newly appointed manager Maurizio Sarri has brought in Jorginho from Napoli but Chelsea are in the running to sign Golovin as well.

A natural central midfielder, the versatile Russian international played in six different positions last season, according to WhoScored.  Golovin can play as a central midfielder, a left-winger, an attacking midfielder, a centre-forward and as a right-winger as well.

If the Gunners went back in for Golovin, he could be the last missing part of the jigsaw to arguably complete Arsenal’s squad. Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League title since the invincible side of 2003/04. Even a top-four finish in Emery’s first season in charge would be a decent achievement, given the Gunners finished 6th last season and were a massive 12 points behind Liverpool, who occupied the 4th spot.

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Golovin is an excellent dribbler, defensively sound and is also known for his cracking long shots. He would slot in as a double pivot alongside Granit Xhaka in a 4-2-3-1 formation. This would enable the 2016 Russian Premier League Winner to provide cover for Arsenal’s defence and link play to the attacking players in the final third.

Possible Arsenal Lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation including Golovin

Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

Defenders: Right Back: Hector Bellerin Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny Centre Back: Shkodran Mustafi Left Back: Nacho Monreal

Midfielders: Central Midfielder: Granit Xhaka Central Midfielder: Aleksandr Golovin

Right Attacking Midfielder: Mesut Ozil Central Attacking Midfielder: Aaron Ramsey Left Attacking Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang