Arsenal: 3 under the radar strikers to target in transfer window

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Giacomo Raspadori of US Sassuolo reacts during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo v SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on December 01, 2021 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

2. Giacomo Raspadori – Sassuolo

What a name. What a player. At 21 years old, Giacomo Raspadori is the oldest transfer target on this list. Yet, he still has room to grow and his already visible talent can improve leaps and bounds at Arsenal.

The Sassuolo striker fits Arteta’s style. While having similar close control to Arezo, he conducts his dribbling deeper. Not confined to wriggling in the box, he drops deep to facilitate play and has the agility to receive and turn nimbly towards goal. He possesses an impressive passing range for a striker – often asked to take corners given his height – and is showing clear development in all facets of his game.

Clocking up an impressive 2.10 key passes per 90 minutes places him in the 83rd percentile, but it’s actually his goal and shot-creating actions that stand out best. Raspadori sits in the 99th percentile for SCA from both fouls and defensive actions, as well as the 74th percentile for GCA overall. He presses superbly in the final third, and to a very impressive level of effect.

While he hasn’t set the world alight with stats – scoring only four goals in Serie A this season – it must be noted that he hasn’t started every game. Interestingly, he has also tallied four assists, illustrating his effectiveness in building up the play and getting the other forward players involved.

And he can drift into wide areas? Very interesting indeed.

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