Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan

Club – Borussia Dortmund

Age – 22

Height – 180cm

Weight – 79kg

League Apps – 28

Value - £25-£30m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.3 (64)	2.3 (63)	1.1 (32)	2 (56)	0 (1)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
0.7 (19)	1.4 (40)	0.7 (20)	86.2	0.1 (2/7)

Gundogan is a player we all would have seen a lot of this year watching his exploits with Dortmund in the Champions League. He has been instrumental in Dortmund’s recent successes in the Bundesliga and Champions League and has certainly caught a lot of attention with his performances.

Gifted with fantastic passing range and the ability to keep hold of the ball and not give it away, Gundogan would suit Arsenal’s game superbly.

However, I would put him in the mould of an Arteta and not really the dominating presence I am looking for in our midfield. Having said that would I turn down the opportunity of having Gundogan at Arsenal? Hell No! He would be a fantastic acquisition to the team, but I’m not sure he would be the solution to our problem, more like a long term replacement for Arteta.

Verdict – Fantastic player but I can’t see him leaving Dortmund for Arsenal. Possibly a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid next season.