Gunners keen on Standard Liege starlet.
Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign promising Standard Liege forward Michy Batshuayi.
ESPN report that the 20 year-old is a target for Arsene Wenger after a hugely impressive start to the season, and Batshuayi could be a solid and reasonably priced backup to current first choice Gunners striker Olivier Giroud.
Having scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 17 Jupiler League games, Batshuayi is starting to attract attention from bigger clubs on the continent.
With one goal and two assists in the UEFA Europa League in his four appearances so far, his success isn’t limited to the lower standards of the Belgian domestic league, and still just 20 he could be expected to make the step up.
Batshuayi is 6’1″ tall, and his broad shoulders and powerful leap would be a great benefit to his chances of succeeding in the more physical Premier League.
He is also a pacier player than Giroud, and frequently drifts into the channels in search of possession – as well as being capable of running in behind the opposition defence.
Given his abilities, it might seem strange that he has not yet made a move to a bigger club, but disciplinary issues have been a major factor in his short career thus far – with his poor attitude resulting in Anderlecht releasing him prior to Standard Liege offering him a chance.
Batshuayi accedes that his behaviour was unacceptable.
“I was one of the best players, but Anderlecht couldn’t keep me,” said the young Belgian of Congolese descent.
“They were right to throw me out, because I was no angel.
“I didn’t realize then how bad my behaviour was.”
Since then though, he has knuckled down in training, and the results are showing on the field.
Perhaps this rite of passage will culminate in an Arsenal transfer.
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