Ousmane Dembele
Arsenal have made a number of high-profile signings to bolster the squad ahead of the new campaign. Unai Emery has already instilled the club with his philosophy and footballing mantra. The Gunners have looked impressive in the pre-season and there’s a certain feel-good factor around the Emirates.
There’s another week left before the transfer window shuts and Unai Emery is not done with his business yet. Arsenal have been linked with Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele over the last few days. Unai Emery is interested in signing the Frenchman who only joined the Catalans last year. (Express)
Dembele’s big money move hasn’t been a success so far with the youngster succumbing to injury problems. The 21-year-old was often in and out of the squad due to his persistent fitness issues. There are suggestions that Barcelona are interested in negotiating a swap deal that involves Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey going the other way. (Express)
Ramsey is one of the most important players for Arsenal but the midfielder is currently in the final year of his Emirates contract. In fact, the Gunners could lose the 27-year-old for nothing next year.
Though Ramsey is an influential member of the Arsenal side, Emery has already strengthened the midfield by signing Lucas Torreira. The former PSG manager is yet to bring in an out-and-out attacker and Dembele would be an ideal option.
He possesses a number of qualities that make him a perfect fit for the Gunners. Dembele is devastatingly fast on the ball, often using his pace to outrun defenders. The winger also possesses impressive ball control, a quality that most of Arsenal players have.
Dembele made a total of 17 appearances in the La Liga last season, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists in that time. The Barcelona winger is a left-footed player who likes to play on the right-wing. He is also capable of playing on the left flank or through the centre, making him a versatile option.
The Gunners have often resorted to using strikers like Danny Welbeck on the wings. But a pure winger like Dembele would provide them with the right amount of depth and the ability to stretch defenders out of position.
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He would be a great addition for the Gunners but signing him would mean losing Ramsey. Regardless, Emery should certainly go for the deal since he possesses a flurry of options in the midfield and is yet to sign a new attacker. If Dembele can work through his fitness issues, he will prove to be a big hit at the Emirates.