Arsenal have been blessed with an abundance of incredible talent over the years.
For example, in Mikel Arteta’s current team, the likes of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Declan Rice could all get into the best teams in the world.
Moreover, during the peak of Arsène Wenger’s tenure, you couldn’t move for international superstars at Highbury, with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pirès helping the club win the Premier League undefeated.
However, there was another star of that era who some might consider to be one of the most technically gifted players to have ever worn the red and white of Arsenal: Dennis Bergkamp.
The Non-Flying Dutchman was able to do things on a football pitch that few could even dream about, and if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to sign someone who could be their new version of him.
Arsenal target their new Bergkamp
It’s been an exciting summer of transfer business for Arsenal so far this year, and the latest player who looks set to join the club is Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.
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Earlier this morning, it was reported that the 21-year-old was flying out to Singapore, where he’ll join the rest of the squad for pre-season, along with other confirmed signings, such as Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
On top of that, the Gunners also appear to be edging closer to finally securing the services of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, whose transfer has been held up by tough talks over the add-ons in his proposed deal.
Yet, even after he’s through the door, the club look set to add even more attacking quality to the side, with their attention on a player who has shades of Bergkamp to him.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Football Insider, which has reaffirmed Arsenal’s interest in Xavi Simons.
The report has revealed that the Dutch international is desperate to leave RB Leipzig this summer, and that, alongside London rivals Chelsea, the Gunners are ‘considering an approach’ for him.
It won’t be a cheap deal to get done, with the story claiming the 22-year-old will cost in excess of £60m.
Arsenal’s fondness of the player is seemingly ramping up with Fabrizio Romano further reporting that, amid interest from the Blues, the Gunners are “keen” on landing him.
Why Simons could be Arsenal's new Bergkamp
Okay, so before the pitchforks and torches come out, we know this is a huge statement to make, as many fans consider Bergkamp one of the greatest players to have ever played for Arsenal, second only to Henry.
However, while it would likely take some time for Simons to approach what the legend achieved in North London, there are some unmistakable similarities between the pair.
For example, the Leipzig star is an incredibly versatile player, as while he’s been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one analyst, he’s also more than capable of playing on either wing and even as a centre-forward.
Likewise, the former Gunners icon spent much of his time at Highbury moving between the second striker and striker positions, while also occasionally appearing in the ten role.
Second, one of the things the 56-year-old was most known for was his sublime control of the ball and his ability in front of goal, as best exemplified by that goal against Newcastle United.
So far in his career, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem has also demonstrated an incredible ability with the ball at his feet and a keen eye for goal.
For example, in 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born “superstar,” described by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.
Appearances
33
Minutes
2763′
Goals
11
Assists
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvement
145.42′
Moreover, FBref ranks him in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, which suggests the ball sticks to his feet in attacking situations.
Finally, it would be another case of the club bringing in an exciting Dutch attacker from Europe’s top leagues, one who, as things stand, appears capable of making things happen on his own.
Ultimately, while he is not at the level Bergkamp was at his peak today, there are undeniable similarities between Simons and the legendary magician.
Therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Leipzig star this summer, before someone else beats them to it.
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