Transfer Profile: Ousmane Dembélé
Transfer Profile: Ousmane Dembélé
It seems to be one of those rumours that comes around every window, but Ousmane Dembele is once again linked with a move to the Premier League.
The French winger has never looked truly settled at the Camp Nou, with his career blighted by injuries and lack of games in recent years, but there is little doubting the quality at his disposal.
If Dembele does leave Barcelona this summer, Arsenal could well be in line for his signature – so how could the 24-year-old fit in at the Emirates?
Barca blues
It is hard to believe that Dembele is only 24, about to turn 25, such is the way he burst onto the scene with Rennes at such a young age.
The 2015-16 season was a breakout one for Dembele, who scored 12 times in Ligue 1 aged just 18, leading to a move to Borussia Dortmund.
The Frenchman similarly impressed in Germany with his pace and comfort on either foot, earning a move to Barcelona, but it’s fair to say it hasn’t quite gone as planned at the Blaugrana.
A series of hamstring injuries have hampered Dembele’s progress, and as Barcelona look to rebuild under Xavi, an exit may be the best for both parties.
What can he bring?
Despite failing to truly fire for Barcelona, there is a reason they shelled out €105m for him.
The winger has electric pace, and his ability to use both feet with equal quality is a real weapon thanks to the unpredictability and diversity it adds to Dembele’s game.
The 24-year-old is also terrific with the ball at his feet, able to progress the ball up the pitch at real speed for his side.
Would he be a good fit at The Emirates?
Dembele would join an exciting and young attacking group at Arsenal, alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Mikel Arteta also has the option of Nicolas Pepe out wide, but there are still question marks over the Ivorian’s ability to perform at the very highest level.
This is where Dembele could well fit in, as a true out-and-out top-class winger for Arsenal, as well as bringing much-needed experience to an inexperienced team.
Any new signings in attacking areas would risk limiting the chances for the likes of Martinelli and Smith-Rowe but there would undoubtedly still be plenty of opportunities for these players, with Dembele providing strong and healthy competition.
Conclusion
Dembele represents a worthwhile risk for Mikel Arteta.
While there are question marks over form and his injury record, there can be no doubt over the quality that Dembele could bring to the Emirates as Arteta looks to build a squad ready to compete for the top four on a regular basis.
While Arsenal have plenty of exciting young attackers, adding a player with established quality can only be a good thing in terms of raising the quality level and competition within the squad.
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