Unai Emery is likely to have a limited budget this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Arsenal from being linked to players this summer.The latest name linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium is Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet, who used to play alongside Gunners midfielder Lucas Torreira.
Getty Images5Dennis Praet - 2018/19
Age: 25Club: SampdoriaPosition: Central midfieldNationality: BelgianSerie A appearances: 33 startsGoals: 2Assists: 3Passes per 90 minutes: 54Pass success: 87.3 per centKey passes per 90 minutes: 1.1Tackles won per 90 minutes: 2Successful dribbles per 90 minutes: 1.1What’s the latest gossip?
Arsenal have been linked with a double swoop for Praet and Sampdoria team-mate Joachim Andersen.According to SampNews24, the Gunners are set to put in a 44million bid for both players, although the figure varies in other publications, and the Serie A side are set to accept.Meanwhile, Praet himself toldHet Laatste Nieuws: “I want to move to a top club in one of the four top leagues. I don’t have a release clause, but Sampdoria have verbally agreed to grant me a move if an interesting offer arrives.”David Seaman complains about Arsenal's lack of ambitionClub career so far
Having been touted as an excellent youth prospect and earned trials at sides including Arsenal, the midfielder spent four years in the first-team at Anderlecht after a breakthrough campaign in 2011/12.He scored 27 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions, while he also made 39 assists during this time.Praet’s talents eventually earned him a 10million switch to Sampdoria in 2016 and in his three year spell he’s been a mainstay in the starting XI but his goal contributions have decreased, seeing him score just four goals and create seven in three campaigns, although his main function with the side is to help progress the ball.
Getty Images5How much is he likely to cost?
Praet himself has quashed talk of Arsenal having to pay a set fee to sign him so we can either believe both he and Andersen will cost 22million each or perhaps consider one is worth more than the other.Previously The Sun claimed it would take 21.75million to prise the player away so we reckon it’s safe to say it’s most likely to be the former of the two situations.International experience?
It’s pretty hard being a Belgian footballer right now given their ‘Golden Generation’ is at its peak with young stars like Leander Dendoncker also coming through.Praet is, though, in Roberto Martinez’s current squad having previously earned just three caps for his nation having made his debut back in 2014.
Getty Images5What is being said about him?
Former Sampdoria coach Marco Giampaolo“Praet can be the Modric or the Pjanic of tomorrow because he knows how to play, fight and has the right competitive spirit ”Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger“When he was 15 or 16 years old, he came with Kyle Ebecilio who, in between, went back to Holland.“At the time, he was judged I didnt know he was here, I didnt know him at the time a bit weak physically.“Since then he has developed well. I was honestly impressed by his performance when we played in the first game [which Arsenal won 2-1 in Anderlecht in 2014].”
getty5How will he fit into Arsenal’s team?
Currently, Praet plays on the right side of a midfield three in Serie A, picking the ball up from Albin Ekdal – Lucas Torreira’s replacement – and moving the ball forward with short passing or the odd dribble.He’s capable of drifting into a wider role too with Sampdoria not using traditional wingers, favouring two forwards, while many believe he could thrive in a freer role between the lines.Given he’s used to a 4-3-1-2, Praet should acclimatise to his role at Arsenal quickly, which would likely see Torreira deployed as a No.6, with either Granit Xhaka or Matteo Guendouzi on the left of the trio.
5
The Women's World Cup kicks off on Friday as hosts France take on South Korea in Paris. talkSPORT will have live coverage of every single England and Scotland game being brought to you LIVE across the talkSPORT network. getty The United States will be hoping to retain their crown in France Our coverage in France will…
Women's World Cup 2019: The stars to watch in France
Now, a prospective title challenge has turned into Tottenham needing to cling onto a spot in the top-four, and TalkSport pundit Danny Murphy has said exactly what fans won't be wanting to admit
Jermaine Jenas highlights why Tottenham Hotspur are likeliest
we'll miss you Latics boss Paul Cook also plans to withdraw the 19-year-old to a standing ovation at the DW Stadium Chelsea loanee Reece James will captain Wigan in his final game for the club. The 19-year-old full-back has been a revelation for the Latics, who have already ensured their Championship survival ahead of Sunday's
~ Chelsea loanee Reece James to be given Wigan captaincy
Everton future will be decided in next ten days, says Toffees
News list for harry redknapp responds to rumours linking nephew with maurizio sarri's job / Harry Redknapp has suggested the Chelsea job may be too big for nephew Frank Lampard to take on so early in his career.
Fired-up Frank Lampard makes huge 'Spygate' admission
Virgil van Dijk aspires to go one better in the Champions League this season after Liverpool booked their place in the last 16 on Tuesday. Mohamed Salah's superb first-half goal proved sufficient for the Reds to claim the 1-0 victory over Napoli at Anfield they required to qualify from Group C
Virgil van Dijk sets sights on Premier League title after
Fans celebrate after the final whistle at the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City played at Selhurst Park Stadium in London on March 19. a fluent attack
Liverpool fan breaks down in tears on talkSPORT after losing
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects Paul Pogba to stay at Manchester United despite Real Madrid's confidence of signing the midfielder. Pogba has received heavy criticism for his performances during
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Paul Pogba happy at Manchester
Son Heung-min admits he is sad to be leaving Tottenham's trophy chase to play at the Asian Cup. The in-form forward will be missing for the duration of January if South Korea reach the Abu Dhabi
Son sorry for abandoning trophy chasing Tottenham for Asian
Liverpool transfer news: Rangers star Ovie Ejaria urges Dominic Solanke to quit Anfield and join him in Scotland The Reds midfielder is on loan at Rangers and wants his pal to boost their title
Dominic Solanke urged to join Rangers by Liverpool pal Ovie
0 Comments