If you’ve been anywhere the internet today, you’ll likely be aware that Arsenal are set to sign French striker Yaya Sanogo in the summer, on a free transfer. The 20-year old has been a standout for Ligue 2 side Auxerre this season, scoring 8 goals in 7 appearances. His services have been prized around Europe by many sides.
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You can be forgiven for not knowing much about Sanogo, so here’s the lowdown:
Born in 1993, he’s been with Auxerre since 2006, though he didn’t break into the first team until 2010. He’s had poor luck with injuries, fracturing his tibia in 2010 and not reappearing until the following year. In total he’s made 19 appearances for the Auxerre first team, scoring 10 goals. Not brilliant for two years, but he’s largely over his injury trouble.
He’s played at all youth levels for France, and captained the U-17 side while he played there. Despite being 6”3, he’s known for his skilful feet and technical ability, scoring some very impressive goals:
He’s got pace and power to go with his technique, being compared to Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke as far as his playing style goes. Many of his goals have come from bursting past the opposing defender to finish, rather than latching onto a cross or similar.
Essentially, he has the ingredients to be a top-class forward: Touch, strength, aerial ability, technique and finishing.
But is now the time for Arsene Wenger to bring another youngster through..?
A punt
There has been some negative reaction to the announcement, with the original L’Equipe report backed up by Arsene Wenger’s quotes this morning:
"We are advanced with him, but it's not done. I'm very confident. He's a young striker who is promising. He has some talent. Big talent."
Many have pointed to this as a lack of ambition from Arsenal, with supporters expecting a big-name forward in the summer window. Some feel this could be used as an excuse to avoid spending money on the likes of Stevan Jovetic or Gonzalo Higuain.
There are question marks over the deal, of course. Sanogo has never played top-level football and has a dodgy injury record. There’s every chance he’ll end up taking up squad space before being moved on. But it’s a free transfer. Either he’s good enough or he isn’t, the risk is low for a potential high reward.
To put it more plainly, Arsenal could get a Chamakh or an Adebayor. Or if they’re really lucky, a Drogba.
As long as this is a player to add to the striking depth, and with a chance of becoming a great player, I see no reason why Arsenal shouldn’t go for Sanogo.
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That's assuming we do get the big name striker which all the smoke suggests is a strong likelihood.
I think Villa was the one very close to joining us in January, as Wenger alluded to (saying the club refused to sell, unless it was the Bilbao defender that went to Fulham).