Recent speculations around Arsenal in the transfer market have suggested that the Gunners are looking to sign Brighton’s Ivorian winger Simon Adingra, with Team News and Ticks (TNAT) being the source of this news.
Simon Adingra played an integral role at Brighton last season while also playing a monumental role for Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations. Strong strides last season have raised his name in the front row for top clubs to keep an eye on, Arsenal being one of them.
Scoring seven times and having three assists for the Seagulls under De Zerbi, Adingra continued to take his fine form into the African Cup of Nations, where his performances proved to be clinical, ending the campaign with a 3G/A.
Playing Style
Simon Adingra is an explosive direct winger who likes to keep things tidy while also indulging in some skillful work in order to effectively bypass defenses. He is often known for his speedy pace and fancy footwork when it comes to dribbling. Provides a lethal counter-attack threat to Arsenal’s routine.
Decent ball manipulation that lets him navigate through tight spaces and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. A wide creator who is versatile enough to tuck into either wing while also using either of his feet. Brings flexibility and unpredictability to the systems he’s being deployed in.
Contributes defensively decently too; he tracks back in order to support his full back while also having great pressing routines. His intensity and athleticism support his playing style.
Why are Arsenal in pursuit of a winger like Adingra?
Arsenal needs reinforcements in their attacking department, wingers, if we’re being honest. With the dream pursuit of Nico Williams and Pedro Neto seemingly looking out of sight, the Gunners could be forced into signing an alternative project winger, with Adingra fitting the lines.
Arsenal do lack a reliable cover for both Martinelli and Saka, especially the latter. He would enhance them by providing backup/super sub and also by being a cheap and fascinating alternative in the market.
The role of the winger would be to ideally be comfortable in wider areas, act as a playmaker from those channels, and provide additional pace on the wings. A player who brings decisiveness in the final third can be valued.
Alternatives to Adingra for Arsenal
With the market reaching its crunch period, signing a project winger looks like the most realistic option for the Gunners. Another talented player coming out of the ranks of the championship is Yáser Asprilla, who could also be a great alternative to Simon Adingra.
A talented prodigy that has a lethal left foot and wonderful creativity that causes chaos for opposition defenses. It is versatile and comfortable to play a free role anywhere on the front line while being an ace on the RW.
Classy ball manipulation brings pace, acceleration, and decent defensive output to the team’s dynamics. He positions himself well between the lines and can make half turns and play creative passes directly in the final third.
Although Asprilla has lots of admirers all around Europe, it could prove to be an exciting talent for the Gunners to get their hands on.
