FC Nurnberg forward Josip Drmic has been linked with a move to Arsenal this week after 16 Bundesliga goals this season, but what could the 21 year-old striker offer the Emirates Stadium club? Read our profile here.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with the signing of Josip Drmic from FC Nurnberg, with the striker even admitting to German tabloid Bild earlier this week that “Any boy dreams about playing for Arsenal.”
The Gunners have needed a centre forward to boost the senior squad for a long time, with Olivier Giroud looking burned out at numerous points this season. Backup attacker Nicklas Bendtner looks likely to leave Emirates Stadium when his contract expires in June, while Yaya Sanogo is not yet ready to lead the line for a top team fighting for trophies.
Drmic has plenty of qualities though, and would represent an intriguing option up front should he make a move to north London this summer.
The most impressive of all the Switzerland international’s attributes is his finishing.
While Olivier Giroud has taken the 13th most shots of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, Drmic has scored 16 times in his 24 Bundesliga starts and 3 substitute appearances – taking just 1.9 shots per game to do so.
That is an immensely clinical conversion rate. The 21 year-old finds the back of the net with over 40% of his attempts on goal, and 60% of his shots are on target.
Notably, every single one of Drmic’s strikes this term have come from within the penalty area, from all angles and both short and middle distance. While predominantly right footed, six of his Bundesliga goals have come with his left foot. That versatility appears particularly impressive when compared to Giroud’s single strike with his less favoured right.
Giroud is excellent in the air, winning plenty of knockdowns high up the pitch for his team, but has only scored two headers this season despite his height and physical presence. However, he is far more impressive in this aspect of his game than Drmic, who has yet to score with his head this term despite his six foot frame.
While Drmic is the same age as Sanogo, he is closer to the finished product – as his 16 goals in one of Europe’s biggest leagues illustrates.
His pace and regular attempts to breach the offside trap could prove immensely valuable for Arsenal, for with Giroud up front and no Walcott, opposition teams are unafraid of quick runs behind them and can squeeze space between the lines – making it difficult for the Gunners’ playmakers.
Drmic has played the majority of his matches up front for FC Nurnberg, but is comfortable on either wing, and as a result could play alongside Giroud too should Arsene Wenger deem that worthwhile.
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