Maximilian Philipp on high demand
Soccer Update: Arsenal is reportedly battling north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to try and sign Freiburg attacker Maximilian Philipp. The 22-year-old is said to be available for a mere £3.4 million.
German publication SportBild (h/t Goal.com) reported Arsenal and Tottenham’s interest. The report also detailed why both of these Premier League rivals would be so keen: “The 22-year-old is capable of operating across the attacking line, with his versatility and creativity making him a useful asset in the final third of the field.”
Philipp is credited with helping Freiburg earn promotion last season. Now his performances in Germany’s top flight have the Gunners taking notice, according to the report: “He has netted five times in 13 appearances this season, after helping Freiburg win promotion to the Bundesliga in 2015-16.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would surely prize Philipp’s versatility. Wenger preaches a fluid game with lots of positional rotations in the final third.
The Frenchman also enjoys reshaping players comfortable in one position into starring roles at another. It’s something Wenger’s most often done up front, where several talented attackers have been converted to strikers.
Thierry Henry did it, as did Robin van Persie, with both players moving to the middle after previous experience on the flanks. This season, Alexis Sanchez has done the same with dazzling results.
Wenger can still develop a raw youngster into a budding star, but the question remains is there room in the present Arsenal squad for another forward?
After all, Sanchez is joined by Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Lucas Perez. Danny Welbeck’s recent return from a knee injury has given Wenger yet another option.
There’s also players such as Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who are capable of playing along the front three.
Wenger’s never been reluctant to load his squads with promising young players, and a modest fee for a rising star in Germany would be a decent investment. However, the Gunners should instead focus their resources on adding to an injury hit midfield and suspect defence.
Category: Football
