Thread by @AFC_Blogger49

It seems the Arsenal scouting team aren’t going to bother finding us an inverted right-back, so I’ll do it for them. A thread. (Part 1)

Though the rumour mill currently suggests finding a new right-back isn’t a priority for Arteta, it definitely should be. With Hector Bellerin set to depart, a replacement is required. Cedric and Chambers are decent squad options, but not starters in such an important position.

Mikel Arteta’s right-back operates in something of an intriguing role in the Spaniard’s system. With Kieran Tierney bombing forward on the opposite flank, the right-sided full-back is tasked with adopting an inverted position while Arsenal are on the ball.

The task in hand for Areta’s right-back is probably best described as a quasi-central-midfield role. Thus, what is required is a player with something of a complete profile. Solid defensively and strong on the ball. Hence the links to Liepzig’s Tyler Adams.

However, with Adams seemingly unavailable this Summer, Arsenal must look elsewhere. I’ve compiled a list of players the recruitment team should be having a look at as alternatives, starting with some more high-profile names.

The first player I identified was Lyon’s Leo Dubois who enjoyed a fantastic 20/21 season with Lyon. Dubois is certainly strong a strong candidate in possession as evidenced by his 6.55 progressive passes/90, but he also poses a notable attacking threat considering his 0.17 xA/90.

Dubois’ progressive passing will stand out as his most attractive attribute for Arteta, showing he can contribute in the build-up which is crucial in a 2-3-5 shape. Moreover, his offensive abilities show he can overlap when required, important for any full-back.

He’d add something going forward no doubt, but his defensive numbers are a little worrying, averaging just 1.58 tackles/90 and 0.86 interceptions. Meanwhile, at 26, he’s a little older than most of Arsenal’s targets this Summer. Still, a good option.

The second player I’ve identified is Wolfsburg’s highly-coveted youngster Ridle Baku. Baku played in a full-back role and further up the field in midfield for Wolfsburg last season, eliciting his versatility which is indicative of his impressive technical quality.

At 23, he has an age profile which aligns with our Summer 20/21 transfer policy. A strong player defensively, averaging 1.61 interceptions/90 and 2.52 blocks. His 2.71 shot-creating actions/90 also show his attacking talent. Baku is likely the most exciting option on the market.

Baku is my pick of the bunch. While he’d have to work on his ball security to master the inverted full-back role, that’d come with maturity and instruction. On the few occasions I watched Wolfsburg last season, he struck me a shoe-in fit for the EPL. Snap him up.

Finally, my left-field option is Aurélien Tchouaméni of Monaco. Tchouaméni’s profile is simply fascinating. He played 36 times for Monaco last season scoring twice and assisting on four occasions. However, he operated as a midfielder.

And that’s why the 21-year-old is the left-field option. He’s not a right-back. But, he possesses all the attributes to suggest he could be superb in an inverted role. He’s got a great all-round game and he’s very mobile.

The prospect of signing a player like Tchouaméni is simply very attractive. He’s in the right age bracket and like reported target Tyler Adams, he can operate in midfield showing his technical quality. Sure, it’d be a gamble considering he isn’t a RB. But it could well pay off.

That’s all for part 1. I’ve got a few more players I’ll be looking into and I’ll release my analysis of them in a separate thread. Thanks to @FBref for providing me with a platform to research on. Here’s an explanation of their percentile model👇

[END OF THREAD]

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