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“I like Arturo Vidal. Are we in a transfer mode? I say no” said Arsenal Wenger when asked about Vidal to Arsenal rumours before the combative Vidal moved from Bayer Leverkusen to the Old Lady in 2011. Then we still had large debts to finance; now the club have to funds to splash-out on world stars.
This year’s financial statement shows Arsenal have at least £138mn in their coffers. Vidal is valued around £35mn plus by Juventus’s bosses. This tale reminds me of how Wenger wanted to sign Özil from Bremen. Later he signed him from Madrid for a premium.
Il Guerriero (The Warrior) is what Juventus supporters call him. The Colo Colo graduate’s favourite position is the box-to-box role Wenger deploy’s Rambo in. He can also play in in front of the back four. He did the screening job for Leverkusen very well and even featured in the Dortmund/Bayern heavy 2011 Bundesliga team of the year. He will be expected to play in the similar position if Wenger decides to open the coffers for the Chilean.
Under the tutelage of Chilean Boss Jorge Sampaoli and former boss Marcelo Bielsa he has improved his shielding skills immensely. His and the eternal Alexis’s energetic displays were crucial for Chile to advance to the round of 16 in the World Cup last year.
SEASON STATS:
Tackles 74/165 or 44.8 %
Take On 7/19 or 36.84%
Headed Duel 35/70 or 50%
For someone who is only 5 ft 11 the amount of headed duels won is amazing. Vidal has been Juve’s armour in the midfield. His powerful and tenacious displays have allowed Pirlo to flourish in the deep-lying midfield role and play his slick passes.
Vidal has a vicious right foot. He has scored 7 goals this season at a shot accuracy of 40%. Vidal also has pass accuracy of 85% in the SERIE A.
The Chilean would add some wheels to the side in midfield. Just as Sanchez ignited the work rates of his fellow Arsenal mates, Vidal too will act as a further ignitor in the tank. His physicality means he would seamlessly adapt to the Premier League.
Our Verdict:
Not only will he add his combative mentality to the side; he will add Rambo like legs as well. Plus he can score goals from midfield. Arsenal do need someone who can consistently blast the ball into the net from 30 yards.
Seeing Coq’s development means Vidal would be the perfect solution to Arsenal’s DMF woes.
I can’t see him fitting in. He would have to battle Özil, Alexis, Ramsey, Ox and Cazorla for a place in the first 11. I don’t think he would want that: He is a top playmaker. He will never settle for the bench.