It wouldn’t be an Arsenal transfer window if we weren’t linked with a creative midfielder, particularly when it’s the last thing we need, let alone one we’ve never heard of. Marcelo Brozović is the latest player to be linked with Arsenal, with reports suggesting Dinamo Zagreb’s valuation of 6 million pounds is ready to be met. With Mikel Arteta side-lined for 3 months, could Arsenal act in the January transfer window by bringing in another creative midfielder? While many Arsenal fans have probably never heard of him, he is an established player for both club and country, having racked up over 150 appearances between them.
So who is he? Well Brozović is an attacking midfielder; but he’s not your stereotypical maestro that sprays the ball 40 yards, nor is he the type of player that dribbles past defenders. To sum him up, he’s a highly intelligent player who makes late runs into the box, much like Frank Lampard. He currently has 1 goal and 4 assists in the Croatian First Division in 14 appearances; which is okay at best for someone in his position. But regardless of the stats his style of play is one well suited to the Premier League. Like I said earlier his style is comparable to Lampard – he’s direct, very intelligent and makes good runs.
Arsenal have often been criticised for passing it too much around the box without any real end product; having a player like Brozović would help eliminate that. His direct nature means he will regularly try and open up the oppositions defence. Despite his one goal in this year’s campaign, Brozović has demonstrated that he can find the net and has even been deployed as a second striker at times for Zagreb. His linkup play is particularly impressive; he often makes the correct pass most of the time to either create space for himself or his teammates. Utilising this space is a fundamental aspect of his play, he’ll always run at the heart of the defence and try and bang a goal in.
Due to his relatively low price tag as well as his overall style, Arsenal among many other clubs have registered an interest in Marcelo Brozović. A player who is only 22 years of age, with a knack for scoring goals and creating opportunities is surely worth the risk. The long-term absence of Mikel Arteta could potentially be a factor that heightens Arsenal’s interest, but whether this amounts to a formal bid remains to be seen. Also, with the impending arrival of Krystian Bielik from Legia Warsaw, will there be enough room in the Arsenal midfield for Brozović? We will have to wait and see…
Would the Croat be a good signing for Arsène Wenger and Arsenal? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @HighburyClock
