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Everything You Should Know About Arsenal’s Strike Target From PSG

Jean-Christophe Bahebeck
Jean-Christophe Bahebeck

When you have the likes of Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as your two main strikers, promising young prospects are unlikely to make their mark on the first team. That has been exactly what has happened to Jean Christophe Beheback. The 21-year-old French striker has been banging in the goals without much rewards. Having caught the eye of Arsene Wenger, the French striker looks likely to swap the streets of Paris for London. So, who is he? Why is he of interest to Wenger?

Career history

Born in the commune of Saint-Denis, France, Bahebeck is the younger brother of Red Star Saint-Ouen midfielder Rosère Manguélé. At the age of seven, Bahebeck began his football career playing for local club Club Sportif Municipal de Persan. After three years at the club, he signed with Union Sportive Persan in October 2003. He impressed one and all during his three years at the club, which brought him to the attention of the Paris Saint-Germain officials who offered him a trial at the club.

During his trial, he impressed PSG, but remained at Persan for another year, before moving to PSG at the age of 14. He immediately established himself as a serial goal scorer and shone in the reserve ranks. And it was only in 2011 that he made his League debut for the Parisian club. His next two seasons, were spent on loan, first at Troyes, then at Valenciennes, where he impressed yet again last year. Although he is eligible to play for Cameroon, Bahebeck has already represented France in the U16, U18, U19, U20 and U21 level and is slowly making his way to the senior team.

Style of Play

Standing 6 feet tall, the French forward is quick, agile and has the ability to play as both a centre forward or as a winger cutting in from the left side. His pace and ability to get back to his opponent means that he has mostly been used as a winger either on the left, where he can cut in, or on the right. His pace and strong physique means that not only is a capable winger, he has all the makings of a more than capable centre forward. His finishing prowess means that if given a consistent run of games, he is likely to establish himself as a premier centre forward.

Strengths

One of his biggest strengths is his finishing. It was only last year that he won the Under-20 World Cup with France playing alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Florian Thauvin and Geoffrey Kondogbia. Although he isn’t the greatest with his back to goal, in front of goal, he is as lethal as any. Another of his big strengths is his versatility. His pace means that is equally capable of playing as a winger cutting inside and shooting or as a central striker, leading the attack. Thanks to his pace, he also has the ability to drag defenders out of position, while creating opportunities for not just himself but for his teammates as well.

Weaknesses

One of his biggest weakness is his play with his back to goal. More often than not, the Frenchman is caught out of possession and his team are left to pay for his mistakes. The nature of modern football is such that a striker is required to not just score goals, but also be comfortable in possession. And that is certainly one aspect Bahebeck must improve upon, if he is to establish himself as a truly world-class striker.

Possible destinations

Given that he is unlikely to figure in the PSG first-team anytime soon, it seems very likely that the 21-year-old will look to move elsewhere permanently. Having finished as the top scorer at this year’s Toulon Tournament, he has certainly garnered plenty of attention. Although there are a few French clubs who are interested in him, it is Arsenal, who are in pole position to sign the French striker. With Wenger looking for an alternative to Giroud, Bahebeck might prove to the perfect solution for both parties.

Verdict

Arsene Wenger has a history of signing wingers and turning them into top class strikers. Thierry Henry, Robin Van Persie, to name a few have been transformed at Arsenal. Should Bahebeck leave Paris for North London, he might just join that list and also get some regular first-team football as well. With his pace, power and his powerful presence, the Frenchman certainly has a bright future ahead of him. A future that is likely to be infinitely brighter if he leaves Paris in favour of more first-team opportunities.