M’Baye Niang is a reported transfer target for Arsenal again, and the AC Milan player would relish a permanent move back to the Premier League after his recent loan spell with Watford ended.

Overview

The French forward has been linked with a move to Everton in recent weeks but after the news of Arsenal’s interest arrived, the player is believed to have put all negotiations with the Toffees on hold and is excited by the prospect of playing for the Gunners.

The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in last season, 18 for AC Milan in Serie A and another 16 for Watford in Premier League, scoring five goals and making five assists in those games.

Niang started his youth career in France playing for SM Caen and AC Milan bought him in the summer of 2012 for €3m. The player has been on loan at three different clubs since.

Let’s take a look at his style, strengths, weaknesses, his potential for Arsenal and his skills…

Style and strengths

M’Baye Niang is a natural center-forward but the player has great tactical awareness and can play in all forward positions from left to right flank, and even as a second striker.

His dribbling is possibly his greatest strength and the player can get out of most situations when put under pressure by making swift moves combined with great footwork with the ball.

His presence is felt all over the pitch, and the forward has the pace and stamina to be a constant threat during the whole 90 minutes.

Weaknesses

The player doesn’t really shine when in possession when holding the ball up and needs to have constant support from his teammates.

This is probably his biggest weakness when going forward as the player will often lose the ball if put under the pressure when he is without passing options.

His finishing also leaves much room for improvement as Niang can often get lost in his pace and trying to position himself to take a shot. Lots of his attempts go sky high and wide.

He will need proper guidance in this department and the player must learn to slow down and steady himself in the best possible position before attempting a shot.

Potential for Arsenal

The 22-year-old has suffered a lack of continuity in his career since leaving Caen, and just last season showed a glimpse of the abilities that were the reason AC Milan bought him.

With the right guidance and with enough first team experience, Niang could develop in a very good striker. Unfortunately it doesn’t seem that a move to Arsenal would be a good career move for him.

Niang is the kind of player that needs plenty of games and time to develop his skills before he is ready to start playing at the highest level and he won’t get enough first team experience at Arsenal for him to grow as a player and achieve his true potential.

Niang skills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwQcVuIWuuM