Arsenal have been linked with Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marcelo Brozovic for a few months now.
Seems that the Gunners are serious in their interest in the player as they have offered between A?6-8m for the central midfielder, according to Sky Italia.
Apparently, the London club has had its initial lower bid for the player rejected and have made a better offer as they are serious about the 22 year old who they think can make a difference in the side.
He has vast experience for his age as he has already racked up close to 150 appearances for club and country. Dinamo handed Brozovic a seven year contract in 2012 as he was brought in to replace Milan Badelj who had departed for Hamburg. Getting such a long contract is a testament to the player’s abilities.
Brozovic is not the defensive midfielder Arsenal supporters are so desperate to see arrive this winter. The Croatian is more box to box than anything else, but has the ability to play deeper in the holding role. He starts out sitting deep and can work best along another good defensive midfielder. He hovers in and around the edge of box and is an attacking menace. He has excellent vision which helps him link up the play with other attackers. He also possesses intelligent runs. These attributes mean that he feels more comfortable in that box to box Frank Lampard like role. However, when asked to act like the shield for the back four, he does an effective job.
In the 22 year old, Arsenal will land an intelligent young player who can go on to become a big thing for them. However, expectations would have to be lowered especially if he arrives in the winter as it takes time for a young player to adjust in a foreign country and league. Brozovic’s slight built would also mean it would take him time to adjust to the more physically demanding English Premier League.
He is not what Arsenal are crying out for – a solid defensive midfielder – but it seems Wenger is getting that in Krystian Bielik. The Croatian international will prove to be a valuable addition to the squad, for a cheap price. He would also provide much needed competition for Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. If Wenger starts using him in the holding role, and mentors him correctly, he might get used to playing in the position and put on solid performances there.
All in all, if Arsenal land this one, they would be getting a quality young player who has a lot to show in the coming years.
Top Image Courtesy golazogoal.com
