When Arsene Wenger first arrived in England, his immediate success was due in large part to his intimate knowledge, and successful signing, of many great French players. Club legends like Vieira and Henry may have been relatively unknown in England before they arrived, but that wasn’t to last. By the time the club had entered their “austerity” period in which securing stadium finance was paramount, the club turned toward the technically gifted, smaller, quicker player that was more likely to be found in La Liga. Arsenal has spent much of the last decade poaching young talents from Spain, and Barcelona in particular experienced Wenger’s almost annual poaching of La Masia prospects. As Arsenal transitioned away from the sheer pace and power of the dominating early 00’s, the team turned toward the more possession-oriented approach that still marks the club today.
As many fans have found fault with the derisively named “Barca-lite” direction the team had taken under Arsene Wenger, it appears that the club has spotted them as well. Over the last few years, as Germany has consistently proven to be one of, if not the top team on the international stage, Arsenal has found itself interested in many German players, as well as others plying their trade in the Bundesliga.
Like most leagues outside of the Premier League, the Bundesliga is a top-heavy league, with Bayern Munich usually the favorite. The costs of going to games is very well controlled in Germany, meaning fans in Dortmund can be a part of one of the world’s great fan experiences for a fraction of what some pay to sit and barely pay attention at the Emirates. The Bundesliga allows safe standing in their stadiums, with the atmosphere clearly benefiting for the better. However, unless Bayern Munich is calling, very few teams in Germany have the resources to match the kind of wages that Arsenal can offer, and should they go looking this summer, here are a few names I would love to see at the Emirates next season.
Goalkeeper – Bernd Leno, Bayer Leverkusen
The 25-year-old shot-stopper has been a fixture in net for Leverkusen ever since his arrival in 2012. Probably the second best keeper in Germany behind Manuel Neuer, he is the logical replacement for the sweeper keeper in goal for the National team whenever he should retire. Though not nearly as polished with the ball at his feet as the Munich keeper, Leno is sure handed around the box and commands his area well. He has the size and strength to attack the ball against Premier League attackers, and may have to move on if he is to realize his potential on the European stage. After finishing second in the league with 13 clean sheets last year, he has struggled mightily this season, nowhere near the top 10 in the same category. Given his club’s struggles this year and his proven track record before, he should be looking for a new club this summer in order to keep his career trending upward. Very solid keeper in the midst of a down year.
Defence – Jonathan Tah, Bayer Leverkusen
Odd though it may seem to single out a centre back and goalkeeper for a team leaking goals as future stars, seeing this lad play could change a few minds. Something of a German John Stones (minus the frequent gifting of goals to opponents), Tah possesses fluid ball control and pace for a defender. Though still extremely young at 20, he already possesses the physique of a toughened veteran. Standing at 6’4′ he is an aerial powerhouse that could really add more of that element to the Arsenal back line. He is a true world class potential player, and Bayern Munich seems to be interested themselves in his services. This could make him a difficult catch for the Gunners, but one that could certainly help them for many years to come.
Midfield – Mahmoud Dahoud, Borussia Monchengladbach
A former central midfield partner for Granit Xhaka, Dahoud is a terrific all around midfielder. At still just 20 years old, he has fantastic ability with the ball at his feet, and despite having less than elite size or strength, is a very able defender and tackler. Having played next to current Gunner, Xhaka, last year, he would have some familiarity with the club. Dahoud would slot effortlessly into Santi Cazorla’s place in the centre of the park, his passing range equally as accomplished as his control of the ball. His versatility and poise speak to a player with high football intelligence. Though perhaps best suited to a box to box role, he could certainly play as a holding midfielder, especially next to a more conservative partner. He has risen up to help fill the void created when Granit Xhaka left for North London. Perhaps he could be persuaded into following his former teammate to the Emirates.
Midfield – Marc Stendera, Eintracht Frankfurt
A modern dual-threat attacking midfielder or central midfielder, Stendera is able to pass and shoot with equal precision. He is a smooth dribbler, compared to Mario Gotze a couple years ago when first being noticed, but has proven a more willing defender. He is a good free kick taker, able to generate good pace and spin on the ball. At 21, he has yet to come back from a serious knee injury sustained at the end of the 2016 campaign, but for a player of his skill, he could be worth the risk. Having also signed a new 4 year deal in July following his injury, it speaks to the faith that Frankfurt still have in the player’s ability. Should he come back strong, he could quickly outgrow Frankfurt’s ambition, and come to represent a coup for any club willing to take a chance on him. He would be a great fit for Arsenal, combining his attacking instincts with a willingness to stop transitions in the midfield (a trait that a certain compatriot of Stendera’s and current Arsenal #11 lacks), he could help put some steel into the Gunners’ attacking midfield.
Forward – Ousmane Dembele, Borussia Dortmund
It is simply staggering to think of some of the attacking potential France could have in the future. Kylian Mbappe is the young gun on everyone’s mind this season, but last season, that player was Ousmane Dembele. A tall but extremely lanky six-footer, he has the flair and quickness to operate on the flanks, the creativity to play as a supporting striker, and pure pace that barely diminishes when controlling a ball. He has 7 goals and 14 assists in 25 appearances this campaign for Borussia Dortmund in his debut season. He has been deployed primarily on the right side by the creative Thomas Tuchel, but with plenty of freedom to roam. The assists number may be slightly bloated (for evidence, look at Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s assist totals from last year, his final at the Westfalenstadion), by the army of goal scoring talent in Dortmund, but for a 19-year-old, this is very impressive. He simply oozes class on the ball, but his slight frame does not help him keep it from larger defenders. He was bought only last summer as part of Tuchel’s injection of youth into a very solid Dortmund side that has been among Europe’s most exciting of the last decade. Perhaps there to provide able cover up front should Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finally leave for Real Madrid, his talent is unquestioned. He is the exact sort of player you could see Arsene Wenger wanting to add to his attacking options this summer. It would take a mammoth bid to pry him away from Dortmund.
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