[ad_pod ]
This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
According to Calcio Mercato, Arsenal are set to compete with Juventus to sign right-back Thomas Meunier, whose contract is set to run out next summer.
The Belgium international joined the club in 2016 and has made 107 appearances for the Ligue 1 champions, but he has said in an interview with RMC Sport that he is “not a priority” for his club as his deal looks set to run out.
However, he has started two of the last three games for the Parc des Princes outfit, and should do so against Bordeaux on Saturday. This is a game Gunners fans should keep an eye on.
The 28-year-old is a solid defender, if unspectacular. He knows where the back of the net is – he bagged three league goals in 19 starts last campaign – while he is also adept at providing for his teammates, as his three assists show. However, he is not a player who appears to be entrusted with too much attacking responsibility.
Watch Arsenal Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Last term, he averaged just 0.9 key passes per match, and a mere 0.5 crosses in Ligue 1. As you would expect, PSG weren’t exactly uncreative, averaging 14.8 shots per game – only Lyon had more. His shots statistic – also 0.9 per game – is another indicator that not too much was expected of him going forward.
It appears that he is one of those players whose mere presence in the side can help his teammates.
He made a total of 22 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, with his team scoring an average of 3.57 goals per game and conceding once with him on the pitch.
Thus, he could surely play more regularly for a top European side, and on a free transfer, he would be a true bargain.
Against les Girondins, Meunier will need to be careful of Samuel Kalu’s offensive threat. He has averaged 3.8 dribbles already this season, and he is likely to play on the left as he has done in his last four matches.
It will be the perfect opportunity for Gunners fans to see if he can deal with a tricky winger, of which there are several in the Premier League.
If he can, perhaps they should consider a move next summer.
