Why Arsenal should make a move for Kevin Volland in January
Arsenal are considering a January move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland. The Gunners scouts have watched the 27-year-old in a handful of matches and his name will be put forward to new manager Mikel Arteta, as per Sky Sports.
The Germany international has just 18 months remaining on his current contract. Volland thrives as a centre-forward but can also operate on the right wing. He scored 14 Bundesliga goals in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward is expected to be part of a list of potential signings put to new boss Arteta, with the Gunners keen to hand the former Manchester City assistant manager a mid-season boost (h/t Sky Sports). The 27-year-old has been capped 10 times by Germany till date.
Volland would be a handy signing since club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract will expire in 2021.
The Leverkusen man joined Die Werkself in 2016 from fellow Bundesliga side Hoffenheim and has gone on to score 38 goals in 107 games for them. So far this season, he’s scored seven times and assisted seven more in 25 games in all competitions, as Leverkusen have struggled to replicate their form from the 2018/19 season.
Leverkusen may well be reluctant to sell Volland in the January transfer window, given they are set to play Porto in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Verdict
A striker isn’t exactly needed with Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette at the club. Unless the plan is to play him down the left, this one seems a little odd. Volland has predominantly played as a central striker for Leverkusen this season and perhaps Arsenal are just preparing for the worst.
Having featured prominently on the right flank in recent years, signing Volland seems a little strange since the Gunners splashed out for Nicolas Pepe last summer. Thus, Arsenal should prioritize signing defensive reinforcements and would do well if they don’t sign Volland.