If Arsenal’s wonderful-looking transfer window had been a movie, it would have been a horror flick, The Transfer Window That Never Happened. Clearly, the Gunners were supposed to hire an influx of attacking players, perhaps a marquee striker or a lively winger. Instead they went full on window shopping mode, looking at the players, then never buying one. Now Kean has joined the chat.
Arsenal are now rumored to turn to Fiorentina’s Moise Kean in the summer. The Italian was in excellent form, striking 19 goals and two assists from 28 matches. Is he the answer to Arsenal’s goal problem? Is this yet another case of an agent endeavoring to make headlines?
Kean: A Goal Machine in Italy, But England? Not So Much
We should also not forget Kean’s previous Premier League stint at Everton. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t pretty. However, repeated injuries and struggles at the physicality of and frenetic pace of the league limited him to four goals in 39 outings. Throwing a fish into a forest is as absurd as he just didn’t belong.
Fast forward to today, and Kean is a star in Serie A. Has he actually changed for the better, or is he just taking advantage of slowed-down competition? As anyone who’s ever watched Arsenal knows, they’re not exactly an easy club to get lasting success from, and it’s possible Arsenal fans don’t have the patience for another “flop redemption arc.”
Would Kean Fit Arteta’s System?
The fluid, press and quick transition of the Arsenal attack under Mikel Arteta. Unfortunately, Kean has more traditional No. 9 about him: strong, direct, hands-less involved in detail, line-up play. To fit a square peg in a round hole is the same.
The Gunners need another striker beyond someone who merely finishes chances. Although Gabriel Jesus hasn’t scored, he puts work into off the ball, presses defenders and plays in buildup play. What Kean can’t survive is going to Arsenal, where he won’t be the focal point, but he loves a system in which he is the central man.
What Are Arsenal’s Better Alternatives?
As well, there are better options for the Gunners to spend big in the summer than Kean. One of Arsenal’s interests is Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres, both of whom better fit Arteta’s tactical demands.
Agent tactics at play?
This rumor does come at a convenient time. Alessandro Lucci, who is also Kean’s agent, also represents Riccardo Calafiori, who has also been recommended by Arsenal. Is this a bona fide situation of an agent utilizing a huge club’s name to advertise his client? Probably.
Let’s be real: Arsene Wenger has longer been linked with Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres, and both arguably are a better fit for Arteta’s system. Why, all of a sudden, would they flip to Kean?
My Take: Arsenal, Please Don’t Fall for This
An issue as much as I would like to see Arsenal sign a striker, Kean is not the answer. He was rejected by the Premier League already, and I wouldn’t be so sure he has matured enough to overcome that narrative.
If the club is confident of spending big in the summer, then they should look to get a more-rounded striker who will slot Arteta’s system. A man with a record of performances at the highest level, because Arsenal can’t afford to blow another load.
Final Verdict: Hard Pass on Kean
However, Arsenal need a striker, and Moise Kean is not the answer. However, his struggles in England, his playing style and the fact this rumor is driven by an agent make it a no-go. Instead, Arsenal should chase after a player with real quality in attack rather than a Serie A highlight reel artist.
Edu, if you’re reading this, do back your signings with the £43 million wisely. Yet another Willian-level disaster is not on the cards.
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