There is still just under half the season to go, but it’s shaping up to be a spectacular one for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side continued their impressive form by surviving a late surge and coming away from their game against Bournemouth 3-2 winners on Saturday evening.
Then, thanks to a late equaliser from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández on Sunday evening, they ended the weekend with a six-point lead over Manchester City.
It really is starting to look like Arsenal could get over the line in the Premier League this season, and they could be about to get even stronger with reports linking them to someone who could be a Declan Rice-like addition.
Arsenal target Rice-like signing
While there have certainly been some down moments for Arsenal so far this season, there have been more ups, and most of the team have really stepped up.
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Yet, while there are more than a handful of players who have seriously impressed, it’s becoming increasingly easy with every passing gameweek to point out the player of the campaign: Rice.
The former West Ham United captain has been near enough faultless for Arteta and Co, and seems determined to drag this team to the glory that has so painfully avoided them in recent years.
With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why the Gunners are interested in another international ace who could be looked upon as a potential Rice-like signing.
At least, that is according to a recent report from Football Transfers, which claims Arsenal are interested in Tino Livramento.
The report has revealed that the Newcastle United star has emerged as a leading target for the North Londoners, who are ‘keeping a close eye’ on him.
It’s unclear just how much the £50k-per-week full-back would cost the Gunners, but given his importance to the Magpies, it’s likely to be a sizable amount.
However, given Livramento’s ability and potential, this is a transfer Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be another Rice-like signing for Arteta and Co.
Why Livramento could be another Rice for Arsenal
Okay, so the elephant in the room here is that no, Livramento does not primarily play in the same position as Rice.
However, there are a few reasons why the former could be a Rice-like signing for Arsenal.
The first is that, like the £105m man, the all-action full-back would be leaving another big club within the Premier League to join Arteta’s project.
Moreover, they might have a primary position, but both players are fairly versatile.
For example, the former West Ham man has played as a six and an eight at centre-back, and even right-back, during his time at the Emirates.
Likewise, the Toon star has played as both a right and left-back and has even made more than a few appearances in wide midfield areas.
Furthermore, both players are now full England internationals, and while the Magpies ace’s three senior caps pale in comparison to Rice’s 72, it looks like he has a bright future ahead of him in the international game.
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In fact, Theo Walcott, his former teammate at Southampton, has described the 23-year-old as a “future England captain,” and has claimed that “Tuchel feels it’s important for him to be at” the World Cup.
Finally, on top of everything else and his never-give-in attitude, the former Saints star is simply an excellent player, and his underlying numbers suggest as much.
Livramento’s scout report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Ball Recoveries
5.86
Top 4%
Pass Completion % (Long)
63.5%
Top 6%
Passes Blocked
0.81
Top 11%
Pass Completion %
86.1%
Top 12%
Progressive Passes
5.26
Top 13%
Total Carrying Distance
207.66
Top 13%
Progressive Carrying Distance
111.68
Top 14%
Progressive Carries
2.73
Top 17%
Passes Attempted (Short)
29.13
Top 18%
Pass Completion % (Medium)
87.2%
Top 18%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.50
Top 18%
Passes Completed (Short)
26.53
Top 19%
All Stats via FBref
According to FBref, he ranked in the top 4% of full-backs in the league last season for ball recoveries, the top 6% for long-pass completion, the top 11% for passes blocked, the top 13% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while he could cost a lot of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Livramento this year, as he could be another Rice-like addition to Arteta’s side.
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