With the summer transfer window in full swing, Arsenal will be looking to bolster their sqaud from every league possible in an attempt to challenge for the Premier League next season. Which players from Serie A could help Arsenal improve?
Arturo Vidal:
Currently in some hot water over DUI allegations during the Copa America, which he is competing in with La Roja, the Chilean midfielder is a Juventus player. Vidal is incredibly versatile, considered as one of the most complete midfielders in the world, and would do a job for the team playing in every and any position. Naturally a central midfielder of the box-to-box variety, Massimiliano Allegri has used Vidal as a number 10 playing behind two strikers in a 4-3-1-2, or midfield diamond. Should Arsenal sign him, he would be able to play as the central defensive midfielder but his tireless running, excellent late movement and fantastic finishing would probably suit a more advanced position. In addition, the signing of Vidal would be a similar calibre to those previous signings Arsenal made of his international teammate, Alexis Sánchez and, ex-Real Madrid star, Mesut Özil.
He would be expensive though and the question has to be asked would Wenger be willing to spend as much as Vidal would cost on a player who naturally plays in a position that Arsenal already have plenty supply of? Furthermore, at 28 years of age, it would be an uncharacteristic Wenger purchase but does the ability Vidal have deem his age irrelevant?
Daniele Rugani:
20-year-old Italian centre-back, Daniele Rugani, is one of the emerging talents in Serie A. Owned by 2014-2015 Champions League finalists, Juventus, this season was his breakout as he was loaned to Tuscan side, Empoli. His good performances for Empoli gained the Italy U21 international a call-up into the national side by Azzuri manager, Antonio Conte.
A tall centre-back who reads the game well and is very able with the ball at his feet, this young player would be an understudy to the more experienced defenders at Arsenal and with the right guidance, could develop into an excellent central defender. If the signing does happen, as Arsenal are reported to have made an offer, Rugani should not be expected to go straight into the side; very much a player for the future.
Samir Handanović:
The Slovenian goalkeeper currently plies his trade with Inter Milan and is considered one of the top goalies in the division, along with Juventus’ Gigi Buffon and Milan’s Diego Lopez. It has been reported that Petr Cech will be making the trip from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, but should Chelsea not be willing to sell, the Inter man could be an astute alternative.
Only 30-years-old, Handanović has an unbelievable record saving penalties. As of February 2015, out of the 57 spot kicks he has faced in Serie A and B, Handanović has saved 26. This, when coupled with his reflexes, excellent handling and sheer frame make him one of the top goal keepers in Europe. As a result his understudy, Francesco Bardi has failed to break into the side and has been shipped out on loan countless times.
Gonzalo Higuaín:
The French-born Argentinian striker is one of Europe’s sharpshooters. Signed by Rafa Benítez to Napoli from Real Madrid, Higuain once came close to signing for Arsenal in the 2013 summer transfer window, with it being reported that the deal was all but done. Instead, the striker went to Napoli but following a failure to qualify for the Champions League this season and the fact the man who signed him, Rafa Benítez, has now gone to manage Real Madrid, should Arsenal capitalise on the opportunity available?
Higuain would be expensive, as Napoli bought him for €40 million, but he has proven his ability wherever he has played. At league level in Spain and Italy, he averages around a goal every two games. Whilst not blessed with blistering pace, his movement, link-up play, finishing and telepathic connection with Mesut Özil, something that was clear they had when both at Real Madrid, mean that should he sign for the Gunners, goals would be guaranteed.
Matteo Darmian:
The Torino player is one of the most versatile players in Europe. Capable of playing as a full-back on either flank, a wide midfielder on either flank, a winger and a central midfielder, both attacking and defensive, the 25-year-old Italian's versatility makes him incredibly useful in modern football. Annually, Arsenal seem to get an injury bug that strips the squad to the bare bones but a player like Darmian offers security for almost every position.
He is not just a versatile stop-gap. The ex-AC Milan man is an able passer of the ball and his movement, pace and tactical astuteness in adapting in a variety of positions and formations (3-1-4-2 with Torino, 4-3-1-2, 4-1-4-1 with Italy) make him a threat in the final third along with the solidity he provides when defending.