Arsenal is reportedly targeting Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman as a potential reinforcement in the January transfer window, following a series of challenges in the squad’s attacking options. With star player Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury for several months, the Gunners are looking to add depth and creativity to their attack, particularly with Saka’s significant contributions in previous seasons now absent from the squad.
Coman’s Dribbling and Winning Pedigree:
One of the standout qualities that Arsenal finds appealing in Coman is his exceptional dribbling ability, which has been widely praised across Europe. Coman has successfully completed nearly half of his dribbles in this season’s Bundesliga, a statistic that places him ahead of Arsenal’s other wingers, including Gabriel Martinelli, who has faced criticism for his recent performances. This could be crucial for Arsenal, especially given their current struggles to create goal-scoring opportunities, having scored zero or one goal in nine of their 20 league matches this season.
In comparison to Saka, Coman’s dribbling is noted for being superior, and his ability to make progressive carries — defined as advancing the ball forward in a meaningful way — also surpasses Saka’s. This added element of dynamism could bring a fresh attacking threat to Arsenal’s play, complementing their existing talent, while also helping to fill the gap left by Saka’s absence.
Coman’s Winning Mentality:
Another key factor in Arsenal’s interest is Coman’s proven track record as a “serial winner.” Over the course of his career, he has won league titles in every season he’s played professionally since his debut, with stints at Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. His title-winning pedigree could be an asset to a team like Arsenal, who are aiming for a Premier League title challenge. This makes him an attractive prospect for Arteta’s squad, especially as Arsenal seeks experience and proven quality to complement their young, dynamic team.
Comparisons with Saka:
While Coman’s statistics may not match Saka’s in terms of overall goal involvements — Saka has been more involved in direct goal contributions in the same period — there are similarities between the two wingers. Both players excel in their dribbling, with Coman showing a higher success rate in one-on-one situations, and he has been able to net four goals this season in just under 900 minutes of playing time for Bayern. While his goal tally is lower than Saka’s, Coman’s dribbling and ability to create progressive movement could bring something different to Arsenal’s attack, potentially helping fill the creative void during Saka’s absence.
Coman’s Potential Impact on Arsenal:
While Coman may not be the ideal long-term replacement for Saka, given his age and the length of time remaining on his Bayern contract (until 2027), he could be a valuable short-term acquisition for Arsenal. With his vast experience in Europe’s top leagues and his skillset, Coman could immediately contribute to Arsenal’s push for a top-four finish and bolster their attacking depth during a critical period of the season.
Arsenal’s desire for a player with a proven winning mentality and exceptional dribbling skills is clear, and Coman fits that profile well. His ability to make an immediate impact and provide creative options in the absence of Saka could make him a key addition, especially given Arsenal’s struggles to generate goals without their star winger.
Projected Cost and Acquisition:
Coman is reportedly valued at £28 million by Football Transfers, which would make him a relatively affordable target for a team like Arsenal. Although his move may not be finalized in time for the next match against Manchester United, the club could look to strike a deal soon, particularly as Coman’s current contract with Bayern Munich runs until 2027, giving Arsenal a potentially secure investment for the future.
In summary, with Bukayo Saka’s injury disrupting Arsenal’s attacking plans, the club is keen to add quality reinforcements to their squad. Kingsley Coman, known for his dribbling prowess, title-winning experience, and ability to make progressive runs, could provide the spark Arsenal needs to maintain their competitive edge. While his arrival wouldn’t replace Saka’s overall contributions, Coman could still be an essential addition to Arteta’s squad this January.