Weaknesses
The biggest negative in Fernando Amorebieta’s game is discipline, and that is clearly illustrated with the incredible amount of bookings and red cards he receives.
His eleven red cards in his short career are the most of any Athletic Bilbao player in history, and to give a comparison – the most any player has received in the Premier League is eight. Duncan Ferguson, Richard Dunne and former Gunners legend Patrick Vieira hold that rather dubious honour.
Amorebieta is also quite prone to injury, with a groin strain causing particular issue to his playing time at the beginning of this season. In addition, the fact that he is a Venezuela international makes him likely to be more fatigued after international breaks – though this would unlikely be a tipping point in the deal.
What will concern Arsene Wenger is Athletic Bilbao’s alarming drop in form this season, and Amorebieta will have to take some blame for that.
The Venezuelan can additionally point to the fallout between coach Bielsa and striker Fernando Llorente, and a variety of other factors, but it will nevertheless be a worry for any manager looking to sign him.
Finally, though his asking price would theoretically be brought down due to only having a year remaining on his contract, the fact that Anzhi Makhachkala are interested could result in a bidding war.
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