If Arsenal end up completing a transfer for Ryan Gravenberch in the summer, Mikel Arteta would be a very happy man.
First things first, a report on Tuesday stated that the Gunners were keen on signing the £16 million (Ajax’s official website) man from Bavaria.
In our view, if Arsenal get a transfer for Ryan Gravenberch over the line, Mikel Arteta would be over the moon.
Why Arteta would be buzzing if Arsenal wrap up Gravenberch transfer
For starters, the Dutch international would be a clear upgrade on Granit Xhaka, who has admittedly thrived as an advanced midfielder this season.
But as seen in a majority of games since the World Cup, his displays have declined and the side may need a superior chance creator through the door.
While the numbers may not particularly reflect whether Ryan Gravenberch is a top chance creator, the eye-test does, as his ball-carrying ability and eye for a defence-splitting pass would be traits that Mikel Arteta would want at Arsenal from if a transfer goes through.
The 20-year-old, much like Paul Pogba in a sense a player that matches technical excellence with a rare physical profile, as he could slot into that No.8 role with ease.
In fact, Brian Tevreden, the player’s former youth coach described the Bayern midfielder as a ‘better version of Pogba’, as quoted by GOAL.
As teams begin to figure Arsenal out a lot more next season, the number of low blocks they face will only increase, which makes the potential transfer of a player like Gravenberch key for Arteta and Arsenal to lessen the chance-creating burden on the likes of Odegaard and Saka.
Similarly, opposition sides, especially in Europe will try to cause the league leaders problems in transition, as has been the case with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
And the ex-Ajax starlet’s excellent engine and defensive nous could provide much-needed support to Thomas Partey, who may struggle to hold the fort singlehandedly against some of the very best.
With Gravenberch having so much untapped potential at such a young age, and Arteta having a near-flawless track record of developing wonderkids at Arsenal, a transfer could suit both parties.
Comparing Ryan Gravenberch to Granit Xhaka once again, the former is a much superior controller of games in deeper areas, which also remains crucial in Champions League affairs where end-to-end games often lead to exits for possession-based sides.
Considering the player’s age, talent and profile, one can wholeheartedly see why the Spanish boss would instantly fall in love with him.
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