The flame might not have burned brightly for lengthy, however there is no denying that Andrei Arshavin was a game-changer in an Arsenal shirt.
Whereas the Gunners are actually screaming for particular person aptitude and ingenuity up entrance, the Russian maverick definitely did that early in his profession on the Emirates, when he joined only a few months after the wonderful Euro 2008.
The then 27-year-old had by no means performed outdoors his residence nation earlier than arriving in a £15 million deal in January 2009, however the fleet-footed winger hit the bottom operating, scoring six targets in his first 12 league video games and including 10 the next season.
Arshavin – PL Data | ||
|---|---|---|
season | sport | Objective (help) |
12/13 | 7 | 0 (0) |
11/12 | 19 | 1(3) |
10/11 | 37 | 6(12) |
09/10 | 30 | 10(3) |
08/09 | 12 | 6(8) |
complete | 105 | 23(26) |
Though he hasn’t been capable of keep these early outcomes, the 44-year-old has secured cult hero standing regardless, and Arsenal’s current left-field targets may very well be on the playing cards if a deal is struck.
Arsenal getting ready for sensational £44m early summer season bid
No matter whether or not this season ends in glory or not, plans seem like clear on the Emirates beneath supervisor Andrea Berta. Signal not less than one new ahead.
The Gunners, whose progress within the Champions League and Premier League this season has been supported primarily by their protection and midfield, seem to want main upgrades on each the left and proper flanks.
Among the many gamers linked with a potential transfer in current weeks is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese speedster showing to be a long-term goal in north London.
Nevertheless, there are additional experiences elsewhere that the Gunners may certainly be ready to make a concrete ‘official’ supply for one more attacking expertise in Galatasaray’s Barys Alper Yilmaz.
In response to Turkish journalist Kaya Temer, Arsenal are planning to make a bid on the finish of the season and may very well be hoping to seal a deal earlier than Yilmaz heads to the World Cup with Turkey.
By way of worth, Tremendous Lig sides have been asking for a switch price of round £44m in current months, amid elevated curiosity from rivals akin to Chelsea.
Why Yilmaz may very well be Arsenal’s subsequent Arshavin
Regardless of the way you take a look at it, there could also be some fascinating parallels with Arshavin’s personal arrival in England, because the Blues have despatched scouts to watch Yilmaz in motion this season. The Russian was a key goal for Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea in 2008.
Nevertheless, in the long run it was Arsenal who gained that race, and Arshavin went on to attain 31 targets in 144 video games for the Gunners. that He scored 4 targets towards Liverpool at Anfield.
With a low middle of gravity, spectacular dribbling means and elite scoring means, the now 44-year-old has confirmed to be a uncommon menace throughout the entrance line, along with his imposing determine making him an enormous menace.
Bringing Yilmaz into the workforce will definitely really feel repetitive in that sense. The Turkish participant has been in comparison with Gareth Bale, and along with his blistering velocity and acceleration, he has actual vitality in his personal proper.
Like Arshavin, the 25-year-old has to date solely performed for his residence nation, becoming a member of his present squad in the summertime of 2021 and has since emerged as a real central participant for Istanbul.
The £44m-rated expertise, who’s often used on the left however, like Arshavin, can be comfy enjoying within the center or on the alternative flank, had a superb season at Gala, scoring 27 targets and helping in 47 video games in all competitions.
This consists of 19 targets within the Tremendous Lig alone, taking his complete for the membership to 72 targets and assists in 203 video games, reflecting Arshavin as each a goalscorer and supplier from the wings.
He’s one thing of an help machine, creating loads of possibilities this season and could be the right addition to the squad alongside gamers like Victor Gökeres.
Within the Turkish high flight, Yilmaz created 10 “large possibilities” within the 2025/26 season and averaged 1.9 key passes per sport.
For comparability, solely Declan Rice has reached double figures (16) for ‘large possibilities’ created throughout his time at Arsenal, and solely Rice (1.9) and Bukayo Saka (2.0) can match or higher Yilmaz’s report for key passes.
This highlights why Berta and the others are pursuing the form of transfer on the left that appears well worth the danger, regardless of the winger’s lack of expertise outdoors of Turkey.
Similar to Arshavin earlier than him, you by no means know if he may develop into the following cult determine to emerge.
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