CSKA Moscow’s Aleksandr Golovin has confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing him.
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The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal. Last summer it was claimed that he was on his way to Arsenal, and the rumours have persisted ever since, albeit more quietly over recent months.
Former Manchester United forward, Andrei Kanchelskis even spoke about how well Golovin would fit in at Arsenal.
Asked whether or not Arsenal’s interest in him had acted as extra motivation, Golovin told Match TV, “Whether their interest has given me extra motivation? No, I have not thought about it at all.
“I just play my game and do not try to think about it. What has been said in peace? Of course we wanted to come back in the game, overtake the backlog. Unfortunately, that did not work out.”
Golovin certainly left his mark at Ashburton Grove in the first leg, scoring that delightful freekick to draw the scores level at 1-1.
Speaking in November, Golvin’s agent confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the player. He hinted that Arsene Wenger was waiting to see how the youngster performed at the World Cup and if he does well enough, the Arsenal boss could be back in touch.
Next, Aleksandr scout report – who is he, strengths, weaknesses and how he’d fit at Arsenal
Who is Aleksandr Golovin
Golovin came through the youth ranks of CSKA Moscow and joined the senior squad in the summer of 2015.
The 21-year-old has made 105 appearances for the Moscow club in his two-and-a-half senior seasons, establishing himself as a first choice midfielder.
During the 2016/17 season, Golovin made 37 appearances for CSKA, scoring three goals and making four assists.
He has 35 appearances this season already with six goals and four assists.
Next, strengths, weaknesses and how he’d fit at Arsenal
Strengths
The young Russian is a very versatile player and has been used in multiple positions.
His most natural position is in central midfield, whether in the role of attacking or defensive midfielder.
He is adapted to play on the flanks as well. With great pace and positional awareness, he is a great asset for CSKA.
Golovin’s tactical awareness and defensive contributions make him a very useful player in the middle of the pitch.
Defensively, he makes an average of three tackles per game, combined with 1.6 interceptions and often breaks opposition attacks up before they get close to the penalty box.
Going forward, he is very good at holding the ball and often makes runs with it to open up space for supporting players.
He is very good at through balls to create chances.
Next, weaknesses and how he’d fit at Arsenal
Weaknesses
Although not the tallest player on the pitch, at 5″9′ he should have better aerial ability and it’s something he will need to work on.
His passing success rate was just below 80% and if he were to join a passing team like Arsenal, that’s something he will need to improve. This season in the Europa League it is up to 82% but there is still room for improvement.
Next, how he’d fit at Arsenal
What if he joins Arsenal
Golovin is one of the top talents in Russia and has a very bright future ahead of him.
His versatility and mature performances have given CSKA an extra edge to their game and the youngster seems to make everyone around him play better.
He’s still an unrefined diamond and will need to do plenty of work on the training pitch. He also needs a manager to define his position rather than shuffling him around the pitch.
Golovin is quite different to any of the current Arsenal midfielders as he tends to hold the ball for a long time and make forward runs a lot. His approach would likely change when/if he does join Arsenal.
Golovin was priced at €3m last summer but CSKA were asking at least €10m for the youngster. Transfermarkt now rate him at €9m. What his CSKA price is now is unclear.
A leap from the Russian to the English league certainly wouldn’t be an easy one, and the youngster could perhaps use a loan to a weaker side in Premier League or in the Championship in order to get the feel for football in the country.