Arsene Wenger has many French players on his wish list for this upcoming transfer window and a raid on the Ligue 1 looks imminent. The latest target is Lyon’s striker Nabil Fekir who has had a stand out campaign this year. The 21-year old attacking midfielder is one of many strong offensive players Lyon has produced this season. It will not be the first time Wenger will have picked up a high scoring French forward though, with the likes of Thierry Henry and Olivier Giroud setting good precedents.
A Season High with Lyon
Nabil Fekir has improved exponentially this season for Lyon having scored just 1 goal in the previous Ligue 1 campaign. In the 31 appearances for the club this year, Fekir has scored 14 times and assisted 9 other goals. He has undoubtedly benefited from the excellent link up play with Lacazette, who is sure to make a big summer move himself. Fekir has a very high passing percentage as well, making him an integral part of that Lyon attack. He has been awarded the Man of the Match award 6 times this season.
The departure of Karim Benzema left a vacuum in the Lyon frontline but the fans’ patience has been rewarded with this young prolific striker. Fekir’s injury in the middle of the season marked the beginning of one of the worst runs in the club’s history but his return steadied the ship and brought their season back on track.
Nabil Fekir – Style of Play
Lyon manager, Hubert Fournier, has used Fekir in various positions and capacities. He has featured alongside other strikers, on the wing and even in advanced midfield positions. He has two good feet and is a quick thinker in the box. Fekir has excellent dribbling skills and finds those immaculate through balls which penetrate defences and leave them gaping. Despite all his striker-like qualities, Fekir lacks aerial prowess, he loses more duels in the air than he wins. But that is a lesson, time and experience will teach him effectively.
Nabil Fekir possesses strong feet and can put his feet through the ball even from a distance. This gives the manager a weapon during set pieces in and around the box. Furthermore, Fekir uses his physical strength to hold the ball well during build up play. An obvious nightmare for defenders.
The final verdict
Nabil Fekir will be a good addition to the Arsenal squad. He will complement Olivier Giroud and can even provide a strong presence in the No.10 role like Marouane Fellaini does for Manchester United. Fekir still has a few disciplinary lessons to learn before he can excel in the Premier League. He has a penchant for committing fouls often. But these are flaws which will be rooted by an experienced manager and the culture at a big club. The move to Arsenal is just what he needs. He has many footballing years to offer to Wenger who in turn has experience and career lessons to teach him.