Arsenal Eye Juventus Star as Potential Partner for Saka
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his attack this summer, aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title. Bukayo Saka, despite being a world-class winger, experienced fluctuations in form, prompting the need for additional firepower.
The Search for Versatility
While a new centre-forward is a priority, Arsenal is also on the lookout for a versatile forward. Recent rumors suggest that the Gunners have identified a multi-talented player who could enhance their frontline.
Chiesa on Arsenal’s Radar
According to Tutto Juve, Arsenal is interested in signing Federico Chiesa from Juventus and is prepared to offer €45m (£38m) for his services. However, competition is stiff, with Chelsea and Newcastle United also expressing interest. Arsenal will need to persuade the Italian international of his crucial role in their future plans to secure his move to North London.
Chiesa and Saka: A Dream Duo?
Chiesa, despite his injury history, brings immense quality to the table. Known primarily as a right winger, he spent much of the 2023/24 season playing off the centre-forward. His ability to operate in various positions would provide Arteta with tactical flexibility.
Federico Chiesa: Career Stats by Position
| Position | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right winger | 93 | 33 | 13 |
| Second striker | 62 | 14 | 9 |
| Left winger | 61 | 11 | 13 |
| Right midfield | 37 | 9 | 8 |
| Centre-forward | 24 | 4 | 5 |
| Left midfield | 11 | 4 | 1 |
| Attacking midfield | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Chiesa’s versatility could be a significant asset for Arsenal. One prominent fan even likened Chiesa to former Arsenal star Marc Overmars, known for his pace and directness.
A Potential Game-Changer
Chiesa has been lauded as a “wizard” by football media personality Roger Bennett. His flair and creativity could make him a standout player in Arteta’s squad, providing essential support to Saka. Chiesa’s impressive stats, including ranking in the top 1% for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes across Europe’s top five leagues, underscore his potential impact.
A Partnership to Watch
For a player like Saka, who excels in both scoring and creating goals, Chiesa could be an ideal partner. Saka’s 20 goals and 14 assists this season highlight his importance to the team, and pairing him with Chiesa could elevate Arsenal’s attacking prowess to new heights.