Would Armando Broja be a good summer signing for Arsenal?


Would Armando Broja be a good summer signing for Arsenal?

By Jonny Bray
Armando Broja truly burst on the scene when he picked up the ball on the edge of the Crystal Palace's defensive third, turned, and fired a low driven shot into the bottom left corner of Vicente Guaita's goal.
He immediately sprinted towards the Palace fans and let them know exactly how he felt about it.
That game between Palace and Southampton at Selhurst Park may have ended 2-2, but it was the start of a superb run of form for the Chelsea-loanee.
After six goals in 21 appearances, the Albanian striker has been linked with several top Premier League clubs.
But would he be a good summer signing for Arsenal?

Plenty of potential

Broja is just 20 years old but he already possesses the build of a full-grown man and has plenty of pace and skill as well.
He can hold up the ball, is prepared to work hard, and could be the perfect fit for Arteta's side.
The forward's best characteristic is his desire, and in a side with plenty of attacking midfield talent, having a striker like Broja could suit the system.
Six goals in 21 league games this season may not be prolific, but there is no doubt that his goalscoring record will improve with experience.
So on paper, it looks as if signing Broja would be a wise move.
He's an incredible talent and could be available for around £30 million, but the transfer wouldn't come without its risks.

The risks

Broja's best performances for Southampton this season have come in a 4-4-2 formation alongside Che Adams or Nathan Redmond.
It could end up being a mistake to spend a lot of money on a striker we haven't seen play in Arteta's preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
He could play behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1, but there is already plenty of competition in that area of the pitch.
Of course, he could adapt his style of play to suit being a lone striker, but with options like Dominic Calvert-Lewin available, is it worth taking that risk?
This may not be the biggest issue in the world, and Arsenal are certainly no strangers to signing players who don't fit their formation.
But it is worth remembering that he may take time to adapt to his new role if Arsenal do sign the striker.
Another risk in going after Broja is his lack of experience.
He looks like a great young player, but brighter prospects than him have deteriorated after making a big move.
At this point in Arteta's managerial reign, does he really want to be placing his faith in a 20-year-old striker.
It would be great to see Arsenal sign Broja but then go after Calvert-Lewin in the same summer as it would give the Gunners options up-front and take some pressure off the youngster.
But signing the Albanian and expecting him to be the answer to all of Arsenal's problems could be a mistake.

Conclusion

Broja would be a great signing, but it's crucial the club do not put all their hopes in the young forward.
Too much pressure would probably limit his ability to fulfil his potential.If Arsenal signed him and Calvert-Lewin, they would have two classy operators at the club for years to come, and could even get the best out of Broja by playing the two of them together.
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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