Defensive Midfielder: Arsenal targets by numbers

Geoffrey Kondogbia (in blue)

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Club – Sevilla

Age – 20

Height – 188cm

Weight – 74kg

League Apps – 31

Value - £10-£15m

Tackles p/game	Interceptions p/game	Fouls conceded p/game	Dribbled past p/game	Blocked shots p/game
2.8 (86)	1.3 (39)	1.6 (50)	0.8 (24)	0.2 (6)
Key Passes p/game	Dispossessed p/game	Turnovers p/game	Pass success %	Through Ball success
0.3 (9)	1 (30)	0.7 (23)	86.9	0.1 (2/8)

I’ve just been watching Kondogbia and Sanogo over the last couple of weeks in the U20 world cup for France, in which they were victorious. Kondogbia is a real talent and it’s easy to see why he has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Sevilla.

Resembling Patrick Vieira, a sense of nostalgia hits me every time I watch him play, long gangly legs with energy to get box to box and ability make crunching tackles.

The interest in Kondogbia is unsurprising. Wenger loves these types of players and with Abou Diaby ‘out of order’ there is a gap left for a player like Kondogbia.

However, for Kondogbia to be a first choice DM this season, I would have my doubts. Whilst talented, he is still very raw and needs time to develop and isn’t exactly what we need right now.

Verdict – I would assume definite interest is there from the club and can see this one happening. One for the future, not right now though.