Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, amid reports that they are prepared to make an offer for the 24-year-old.
That’s according to recent reports which claim that the Gunners have been alerted to his potential availability.
Brozovic, a full international with Croatia, has a reported price-tag in the region of €25m. Since his transfer from Dinamo Zagreb two years ago, he has shown flashes of individual brilliance but not on a consistent enough basis to earn him much praise from supporters.
Given the fact that he was frozen out of the squad altogether by former boss, Frank de Boer, for an undisclosed disciplinary matter, it’s possible that he could be weighing up his options and eyeing a Premier League move.
After all, Inter struggled spectacularly last season. They finished seventh in Serie A, were knocked out of the UEFA Europa League in the group stages after four losses in six matches and defeated by Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.
It’s fair to say that the last twelve months or so hasn’t been a smooth transition for Inter and without Mauro Icardi’s influence in the final third, things would be even worse.
Brozovic was previously linked with a move to Chelsea and his statistics from last season aren’t bad all things considered.
Six goals and four assists across all competitions, mainly playing as a central midfielder, is an impressive tally. He completed 41 key passes in Italy’s top division last season, whilst maintaining a pass completion rate of 85%. A successful take-on percentage of 70% highlights the adventurous side within his game, driving at opponents in his attempts to create chances for teammates.
In terms of those who played more regularly than him, only centre-back Miranda, Ivan Perisic and the aforementioned Icardi earned higher WhoScored ratings than the Croatian last season (7.14).
It’s easy to forget however, that he still has four years left on his existing contract and if Arsenal are genuinely interested, they may have to persuade Inter with a big bid to begin negotiations.
Schalke’s Leon Goretzka and Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina are just two others who continue to be linked with a switch to the Emirates, suggesting players are set to depart in the coming weeks.
Whether the Gunners will make a bid or just continue to monitor his progress remains to be seen, though this is an opportunity which might not arise again as other clubs will be adopting the same stance as Arsenal, watching Brozovic’s development closely before deciding whether or not to pursue his signature.