Transfer Scouting Report - Sime Vrsaljko: Arsene Wenger to look to versatile wing-back in case of Bacary Sagna departure

Sime Vrsaljko

With Bacary Sagna’s contract set to expire next summer, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is on the lookout for a possible replacement for the France international right-back.

Currently on his agenda, according to the Daily Mirror, is Genoa’s Sime Vrsaljko, a player also reportedly interesting Inter.

The 21-year-old Croatia international only joined the Italian outfit in July from Dinamo Zagreb, but he has made a fine start to his debut season in Serie A, so much so, that the club has apparently already put a €15 million price tag on his head in expectation of a January raid.

But how could the youngster boost Wenger’s right flank?

He is a very attack-minded right full-back, much like his idol, Barcelona’s Daniel Alves. In fact, he can play in several attacking positions on that flank and even in central midfield.

His natural desire to get involved in his team’s attacks was put to good use under former manager Fabio Liverani, with the Italian deploying Vrsaljko as a wing-back in five of his six Serie A games in charge.

With Gianpiero Gasperini re-appointed as manager, it’s likely that Vrsaljko will retain that position given the Italian, like his compatriot Liverani, favours a back three system.

Vrsaljko’s pass breakdown this season

He wouldn’t get that role at Arsenal, however, seeing that Wenger massively favours a back four, but he would still be expected to contribute as much as possible to the attack. He offers a lot on the overlap, always keen to get a cross into the box.

He has attempted an average of 5.8 per game so far this season, finding the target with 22.9% of them, which is an impressive conversion rate.

Olivier Giroud, a target man ever reliant on good service and is growing in form and confidence, would surely benefit from the Croatian’s forward advances. The young, big, and powerful Yaya Sanogo would also stand to reap rewards.

Vrsaljko’s duels this season

Standing at 1.81 metres, Vrsaljko uses his height well in aerial situations, winning 68% of his headed duels so far.

But defensively he can be a bit naive and reckless. He likes to push up in order to try and cut out passes or tackle his opponent and, to his credit, he has made a rather impressive 3.5 interceptions per game on average, but he gets it wrong at times, resulting in him being beaten and leaving lots of space in behind him.

As far as tackling is concerned, he has attempted an average of just under two per game thus far, but won just 45% of them as well as committed an average of 1.3 fouls per game.

Factoring in his tendency to quickly push up to try and close down opponents, it’s clear he has to improve his decision-making, timing, and composure in the defensive phase of play.

Failure to do so would see Arsenal’s right flank easily exploited.

At just 21, however, Vrsaljko has lots of time to iron out these things. A club like Genoa is giving him the chance to, as would Arsenal, should he sign. And when he does, then the fee reportedly demanded by Genoa will prove a snip.