Arsenal Transfer News: Why Gunners should pass up chance to sign Kingsley Coman

 

Now that Mikel Merino's arrival has been confirmed, Arsenal may yet make a late play for another attacker before tomorrow's deadline. Last week, Nico Williams was linked with a move to the Emirates, though there was an acceptance that a deal for the Spanish winger would be difficult to complete this late in the window. With a little over 24 hours until the deadline, Kingsley Coman has emerged as a potential target for the north London side. 

 

The addition of Michael Olise means Bayern are willing to listen to offers for Coman, who started 15 league games for the German side last season. The Frenchman does have high-profile interest from Saudi sides. While the riches of the Middle East will appeal to the 28-year-old, Arsenal could at least offer Coman the platform to continue to ply his trade at the highest level. 

 

 

Last season, though, was a disappointing one for Coman. Indeed, it ended an 11-year title run for the 28-year-old - that coincided with Harry Kane's arrival - while injuries continued to hamper his impact. Even for a team as dominant as Bayern, Coman scored just three times and provided three assists for the Bundesliga powerhouse as they failed to defend their crown. 

 

Even so, Coman chipped in 2.3 successful dribbles and 2.3 key passes per 90 for Bayern, both modest returns, and a suggestion that his assist haul would have been higher were it not for his profligate teammates. What'll appeal to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not only Coman's big-game experience but the versatility to his game. 

 

Of Coman's 15 league starts last season, seven came from the left flank and eight were off the right. What Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons is top-quality cover across both sides of the attack. Leandro Trossard's addition to the squad boosted Arteta's options on the frontline but the Belgian is better off the left or through the middle. What's key about Coman is that he'd provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka down the right. 

 

Supporters have been craving an additional winger to ease the burden on Starboy Saka, and Coman would allow for Arteta to rest the England star more frequently without the quality of the attack suffering. For an Arsenal side that is expected to progress far in both domestic and continental competition, and really challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title, Arteta needs quality cover in a number of positions. 

 

 

He has just that in defence and midfield following the respective signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino; he now needs a versatile forward to boost Arsenal's chances of silverware. What may put Arsenal off, however, is Coman's chequered injury history. The forward has suffered a number of muscular injuries in recent years and it means he has started more than 20 league matches in just one of his last eight seasons. 

 

While Arsenal would benefit from the addition of a forward as adaptable as Coman, the player himself is on large wages and given his injury issues; he's a foward that the Gunners should avoid spending big on. Were a short-term, low cost deal be on the cards, then that would be far more appealing for the north London side, but with three years to run on his big money Bayern deal; the German outfit are likely to be keen to sell permanently. 

 

If the latter is the case, then Coman is one to avoid for Arsenal, who'd be better off waiting for the right player to become available in their quest to strengthen in the final third.

Arsenal Transfer News: Why Gunners should pass up chance to sign Kingsley Coman