In a move that might improve Mikel Arteta’s squad depth, Arsenal has been linked to an offensive midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
After leading the pack for the duration of the season, the Gunners were just five points away from claiming their first Premier League championship since 2004.
The north Londoners need reinforcements before the 2023–24 season if they are to contend once again, therefore Arteta will now switch his focus to the transfer market.
What’s new with Matheus Franca going to Arsenal?
Arsenal apparently had an initial offer for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca rejected, as revealed by writer Artur Petrosyan last week.
The Brazilian club rejected the Gunners’ first bid of £15 million, while Newcastle United also shown interest in the youngster.
After just completing his studies at Flamengo’s school, the 19-year-old is well-regarded across South America.
What benefits may Matheus Franca provide Arsenal?
Talent scout Jacek Kulig praised the “big talent” as one of the most “exciting” youngsters, calling him a youthful jewel that any team would be lucky to have.
In order to demonstrate his flexibility, the Brazilian plays primarily in advanced midfield but also occasionally on the flanks. Kulig praised the kid and said that he can “play almost everywhere,” supporting this claim.
Arsenal’s offence is loaded with quality, but there is always space for improvement, as they have discovered this season after falling short owing to a lack of squad depth.
By bringing in a young player, Arteta was able to build on the club’s discovery of Gabriel Martinelli, an undiscovered talent from Ituano, and emulate prior club stars who had held the position in the past.
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Many beautiful offensive midfielders have graced the Emirates throughout the years, but few have been as beloved as Santi Cazorla, who lived in the city for six years.
By acquiring Franca, who surely has a long career ahead of him, Arsenal might have a midfielder with the potential to match Cazorla’s midfield danger.
According to WhoScored, the parallels between the two players’ playing styles, which emphasise the skill of passing and playing the ball off the ground, are already apparent.
The Spanish player averaged 2.35 progressive carries per game in La Liga in 2019, which was equal to Franca’s 2.96 per 90 at Flamengo. In 2019, he also had the greatest 1v1 dribbling success percentage in Europe with 89.13%.
The young Brazilian is ranked highly in a number of areas where the former Arsenal star thrived, according to FBref, making 3.98 forward passes and logging 6.34 touches in the offensive penalty area for every 90.
These stats demonstrate the 19-year-old’s prowess with the ball and in terms of moving forward during an attack.
A young, talented player like Cazorla—who scored eight goals in the 2022 season—who can score from midfield would be a great addition for Arteta to incorporate into his team.
It would also vitally fall in a position that may promote competition to boost individual performance and eventually improve depth in quality.
In Arsenal’s midfield, the little Spaniard may be irreplaceable to some, but if Franca moves to north London this summer, he may show the supporters what they’ve been missing.
