Arsenal return to Europe League action this evening as they host Slavia Prague in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Gunners weren’t exactly convincing in the last round against Olympiacos, and simply cannot afford to take tonight’s game easy.
Slavia have dumped Leicester City and Rangers out of the Europa League in the last two rounds, and will pose a major threat to Arsenal’s hopes of reaching the last four.
If there’s one man Arsenal will be paying close attention to tonight, it’s Slavia forward Abdallah Sima, who has become a sensation this season.
The Senegalese attacker has smashed 19 goals and six assists in 34 games this season, and he was particularly impressive when Slavia dumped Leicester out.
Capable of playing out wide or up front, Sima has real pace whilst being well-built at 6ft 2in tall, and his athletic profile has made him a wanted man.
What’s interesting is that Arsenal already know plenty about the 19-year-old – because they allegedly want to sign him.
Calciomercato claim that Arsenal are keen on Sima, and it’s no surprise – Slavia allegedly believe that they have the new Thierry Henry on their hands. If Arsenal can find the next Henry, fans would be ecstatic.
West Ham United are keen too, but Arsenal now have a chance to see Sima in action against their own defenders in something of an audition for him.
If Sima excels against Mikel Areta’s back four, Arsenal may be even more tempted to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Sima is fresh having been suspended for the weekend clash with Brno, and Edu must pay attention to his performance tonight as the Gunners plot a summer move.
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