Rumour: Arsenal set sight on new German wonderkid after Draxler failure

The agent of Wolfsburg wonderkid Maximilian Arnold has refused to add to speculation linking his client with a move away from the German side, preferring to stress that the 19 year old is “doing fine” at the club.

His agent Karl Herzog, is quoted in the Telegraph as saying:

“Max is with Wolfsburg and he is doing fine. He definitely enjoys all the qualities of the club and they know all of his qualities.”

Whilst clearly not angling for a move, should the 19 year old’s performances continue then he will surely continue to attract attention from the continent’s biggest clubs. Arnold has been linked with a move to Arsenal and has already made 20 Bundesliga appearances.

These have come from the right hand side of a 4-2-3-1 formation, although he has had considerable licence to roam within that formation, as shown by his action areas map from his last game (above.)

He has demonstrated an eye for goal this season, with six goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances, and has scored with 20% of his shots on goal.

His has also created 18 chances, the third highest of any Wolfsburg player. Due to the position in which he plays, alongside his great technique and excellent left foot, the 19 year old has drawn inevitable comparisons with current Arsenal star Mesut Ozil. Arnold is tidy in possession, with a pass accuracy of 85% putting him second amongst Wolfsburg players to have started a game this seaosn, and boasts a vision beyond his years.

Age dictates that he is clearly a work in progress, but his stats this season stand up to scrutiny with more established stars in his position. Whilst he has interested Juventus, Arsenal are also said to be monitored him and the comparison matrix above shows how he measures up to Arsenal’s current attacking midfield players and fellow transfer target Julian Draxler.

His goal threat is evident from the comparison, with Arnold boasting the most frequent shots on goal rate and a goals to minute ratio that is bettered only by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (largely due to the Ox being restricted to few appearances this year and scoring a double in one of them.)

Arnold also has plenty of time to develop. He is a year younger than Draxler, who is also a left footed attacking midfield player but operates from the other side, When comparing Arnold this season to Draxler last, the 19 year old Wolfsburg midfielder fares strongly, beating Draxler in all of our chosen categories bar take ons.

His agent may have remained coy on reported interest, but if Arnold continues and builds upon his current level of performance then expect the 19 year old – who has represented his country at all youth levels – to attract further interest that will test the resolve of Wolfsburg, who have the prodigy under contract until 2017.