Why Arsenal signing Moussa Dembele would be a great move
According to a report from L’Equipe (h/t The Sun), Arsenal are eyeing Olympique Lyon star Moussa Dembele as a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, who has been linked with Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old Dembele started out at the academy of US Cergy Clos, before moving to PSG where he spent eight years, before joining the Fulham youth setup in 2012. He made 64 first-team appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 19 goals, before joining Scottish giants Celtic in 2016.
That’s where the Frenchman burst into limelight, bagging 51 goals in 94 matches, winning a number of trophies along the way. This earned him a transfer to Lyon in 2018, where he has continued to thrive. So far, Dembele has 42 goals and 13 assists in 84 matches for the Ligue 1 giants.
Arsenal need to address their over-reliance on Aubameyang
While the defence should be a priority, Arteta and Arsenal would do well to strengthen the attacking side of things as well. Over the course of the season, they have been too over-reliant on captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Over 40% (17 of 40) of Arsenal’s Premier League goals have come from the Gabonese striker. However, he has been linked with a summer exit from the Emirates.
Lacazette, on the other hand, has endured a below-par season. So far, he has netted just 7 goals in the league. And with his future also up in the air, it would make complete sense for Arsenal to sign another striker this summer. And to that end, Moussa Dembele would be a viable addition.
The 23-year-old has been in fine form since joining Lyon in 2018. Having managed 20 goals in his debut campaign in France, he has managed to better his tally this term. Dembele finished the 2019/20 term with 22 goals and 7 assists in 42 matches.
Dembele has accrued a lot of experience already, despite being 23 years old. He has over 250 career appearances already with 124 goals and 41 assists. In addition, he has developed a winning mentality, having been a part of a Celtic team that made history during his time at the club.
Dembele’s addition would not only add more quality and depth to the Arsenal squad, but it would also equip them with an excellent replacement if either of Aubameyang or Lacazette ends up leaving.
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Verdict
Arsenal have been too over-reliant on star man Aubameyang since his arrival. With both him and Lacazette being linked with an exit, it would bode well for the Gunners to bring in a striker this summer. And Dembele would be a solid addition to the ranks given his form in the past few years. He would boost the overall quality of the Gunners squad.
