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Go for it Gunners – This highly-talented 19-year-old would be a perfect Xhaka replacement

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Why Szoboszlai to Arsenal could offer Emery more options in the middle  

According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal are keeping an eye on Red Bull Salzburg star Dominik Szoboszlai.

As per the report, the Gunners sent out scouts to monitor Hungarian ace Szoboszlai during his national side’s game against Wales in the Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. (Getty Images)

The 19-year old is capable of being a potential replacement for their former captain and current outcast Granit Xhaka.

The Switzerland international is on the verge of leaving the Emirates after his recent bust-up with the fans in their Premier League game against Crystal Palace, as claimed by Daily Express.

After being omitted from the side and stripped of his captaincy, the 27-year-old midfielder has not featured in a game for Arsenal.  

Arsenal outcast Granit Xhaka.
Arsenal outcast Granit Xhaka. (Getty Images)

With his future at the club uncertain, it makes sense for the Gunners to consider signing Szoboszlai. The midfielder has been impressive for both club and country so far.

With his excellent performances, it does not come as a surprise that a host of European clubs are waiting to seize the youngsters’ signature (h/t Daily Express).

The teenager has received undivided attention from footballing circles after some dominant displays for Salzburg in the Champions League.  

He has also been impressive in the Austrian top-flight, helping his side to the top spot. The youngster has registered two goals and three assists in a total of 10 games.

Szoboszlai (left) engages in a tussle with Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Szoboszlai (left) engages in a tussle with Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson. (Getty Images)

Szoboszlai, who made his international debut earlier this year, has featured in seven games for Hungary and has found the back of the net once. Predominantly a central midfielder, Szoboszlai’s versatility in the middle of the park has seen him often being deployed on the left side of the pitch too.

In his 37 matches for Salzburg, the teenage powerhouse has started 11 games on the left, scoring three times and providing four assists. However, a lot would depend on how Salzburg perform in the Champions League, as they are still four points adrift of qualifying into the round of 16.

At present, Szoboszlai’s side is third in the group with four points and are behind defending champions Liverpool as well as second-placed Napoli.

The Austrians have two more games to come and this could prove to be a litmus test for the young Szoboszlai, especially after being monitored by many of Europe’s top clubs which includes Serie A sides Juventus and Inter Milan.  

Szoboszlai in action against Liverpool during a Champions League encounter.
Szoboszlai in action against Liverpool during a Champions League encounter. (Getty Images)

Verdict

With so much potential, the Hungary midfielder is surely an excellent long-term prospect and would offer more options in the middle for Emery.

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Also, he could be a potential replacement for the under-fire Xhaka, whose future at the club looks bleak.

Moreover, Szoboszlai’s ability to adapt to any role in the midfield would help Arsenal, whose experienced playmaker Mesut Ozil has been far from impressive this season.