It’s been a hugely busy summer for Arsenal so far this year.
On top of already playing some intense pre-season games against top opposition like Newcastle United, AC Milan and those lot from up the road, they’ve been making plenty of moves in the transfer market.
As things stand, Andrea Berta has made six permanent additions to the first team in a bid to finally help Mikel Arteta’s side get over the line in the Premier League and Champions League next season.
However, they are not done there, as they continue to be linked to several brilliant stars like Rodrygo and a new name, someone who has won comparisons to the Brazilian and the Gunners’ own starboy, Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal target Rodrygo & Saka hybrid
Of the six additions Arsenal have made thus far, it wouldn’t be much of a hot take to suggest that Viktor Gyokeres is the most exciting, as the team have needed a clinical number nine for some time now and the Swede racked up a tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games for Sporting CP last season.
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However, while it is starting to look less and less likely now, the Gunners do continue to be linked with Rodrygo, who, thanks to his incredible ability, experience and trophy cabinet, could end up taking that spot as the most exciting signing the North Londoners make this summer.
Yet, there are still other names in the mix, as it now appears that the club are looking at another star from La Liga, someone who could be fairly described as a hybrid between the Real Madrid star and the incredible Saka.
At least that is according to a recent report from Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Arsenal are one of several teams showing genuine interest in Fermin Lopez.
He actually goes further than that, revealing that alongside Chelsea, the Gunners have already made contact with Barcelona, although it looks like Manchester United are currently leading the race.
According to Vidal, the Red Devils are preparing an offer of around £61m for the 22-year-old, and while Barça do not want to sell, financial issues could force their hand if such an offer arrives, which in turn will let Berta and Co know how much they’d need to offer.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Lopez’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’s been compared to both Rodrygo and Saka.
How Lopez compares to Rodrygo & Saka
In this instance, the primary comparisons to Rodrygo and Saka stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Champions League last season and concluded that the Real Madrid star was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Lopez, and the Arsenal ace was the fourth most similar.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.79
0.72
Passing Accuracy
83.5%
85.1%
Passes into the Final Third
2.60
2.47
Shot-Creating Actions
3.40
3.70
Tackles Won
1.00
1.13
Clearances
0.80
0.72
Attempted Take-Ons
3.20
3.20
You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Frenchman ranked closely to the two internationals. In the Brazilian’s case, these metrics included non-penalty goals plus assists, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions, attempted take-ons, and more, all per 90.
In the case of the Englishman, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, key passes, shots on target, tackles in the defensive and middle thirds, and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.79
0.83
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.79
0.73
Shots on Target
1.59
1.42
Key Passes
1.20
1.19
Tackles in the Defensive Third
0.60
0.60
Tackles in the Middle Third
0.60
0.60
These numbers are particularly encouraging as they show that not only could the “amazing” ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, match up to the two wingers when it comes to their attacking numbers, but that he’s also capable and willing to do some of the less glamorous defensive work.
With that said, while the comparisons to the Arsenal and Madrid stars are certainly a positive sign, they aren’t the only reason Arteta and Co should look to sign the young Spaniard.
For example, one of his significant strengths is his positional versatility, having played in central and attacking midfield, as well as out on both wings since breaking through at Barcelona.
If there is one thing we know about Arteta, it’s that he prefers players who can offer him tactical versatility.
Finally, despite being young, the El Campillo-born gem has already won a number of trophies with the Blaugrana, including La Liga last season, and so he’d bring some much-needed know-how to the North Londoners.
Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Arsenal should do what they can to sign Lopez this summer, as he’s got the ability and potential to be something special, and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo can only be a good thing.