Arsenal were heavily linked to Marcel Sabitzer in the last summer transfer window. The Gunners eventually brought in Martin Odegaard instead. Now, according to German publication SportBild (via TBR), Arsenal could reignite their interest in the 28-year-old this summer.

Marcel Sabitzer joined Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in August 2021. The Austrian had racked up 229 appearances for Leipzig, contributing 52 goals and 42 assists. However, at Bayern Munich, the 28-year-old midfielder has struggled to break into the playing XI. Sabitzer has made just 8 starts this season.

Midfielder Mohamed Elneny is out of contract this summer, while Albert Sambi Lokonga is still adapting to life in the Premier League. The North London side have been linked to several midfield targets including Florian Grillitsch, Douglas Luiz, and Ruben Neves. The Gunners have been put off by the latter’s hefty price tag, and believe Sabitzer would be a bargain for just £12 million instead.

The Austrian international had earlier revealed that he would like to play in England. With the Gunners all but guaranteed European football next season, Mikel Arteta will be eager to add more quality to his squad. Marcel Sabitzer represents a feasible target for Arsenal to pursue.

Player Profile

Marcel Sabitzer is a versatile player. He has been used all over the midfield, on the right-wing, as a centre-forward, and even as a left-back. Primarily left-footed, the Austrian has an excellent passing range and is a hard worker off the ball. Sabitzer was primarily an attacking playmaker/winger until manager Julian Nagelsmann deployed him in a double pivot at RB Leipzig.

Shooting & Creativity:

Sabitzer is an elite creator. He is highly effective in the final third, and an efficient component in box penetrations. Even from deeper areas, his impact on the end product has not declined.

However, Sabitzer is a poor finisher. He averages an xG underperformance of (-0.12) per 90 minutes. This places the 28-year-old among the bottom 1% of finishers across Europe’s top-5 leagues. Sabitzer is strongly right-footed and likes to attempt shots from farther regions often.

Passing & Progressions:

Sabitzer strikes as a peculiar figure. He is a decent passer and a poor dribbler. However, the former Leipzig Medio is a composed presence under pressure, and an excellent ball progressor. Arsenal may not benefit by utilizing him as a lone pivot. However, if Sabitzer is given the freedom to drive forward occasionally, he could be a force to reckon with in a double pivot.

Defensive Actions:

Sabitzer is reliable defensively. He is strong in the air and holds his ground well against opposition defenders. He also has an outstanding work rate and covers every inch of the field tirelessly. The Austrian isn’t a ball-winner and does not win many tackles or interceptions.

Read More:

• Arsenal Join Race to Sign Austrian Defensive Midfielder on a Free Transfer
• Arsenal in Battle With Newcastle United Again for €40m Rated Ligue 1 Midfielder
• Arsenal Reportedly in Pole Position to Sign €60m Rated Serie A Forward

Verdict:

Marcel Sabitzer represents a low-risk purchase for Arsenal. Currently 28, the Austrian would represent a medium-to-long-term investment for the Gunners. At the quoted price, Arsenal can easily afford the transfer without being side-tracked from their other targets.

Sabitzer can excel as a partner to Thomas Partey in central midfield. He could also serve as competition for Odegaard and the front-line. Given Tierney’s injury history and Tavares’ struggles, Sabitzer could also be a stop-gap option for the left-back role.

Should Arsenal pounce on Marcel Sabitzer? Or did the ship sail last summer? Let us know in the comments.

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