Arsenal’s summer transfer window is rapidly transforming from a world-class signing spree to a panic-stricken trolley dash. With the club’s slim hopes of signing Karim Benzema disappearing into the abyss, Arsene Wenger appears to have turned his attention to Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Grzegorz currently plays for Sevilla, primarily as a defensive midfielder, and was the club’s only player to feature in La Liga’s 2014/15 Team of the Season.
It has been rumoured that Arsenal has launched a £22 million bid in the hope of landing the 6’1” powerhouse, but Wenger has been quick to quell such speculation.
Grzegorz featured in 32 La Liga games last season, registering two goals and an assist, as well as picking up 13 yellow cards and one red. The ex-Bordeaux man completed approximately 81% of his passes, which is noticeably less than Francis’ accuracy of almost 86% in The Gunners’ 2014/15 campaign.
Krychowiak’s main strengths are his aggression and physical qualities. The Pole boasts impressive strength and a fierce desire to win back the ball. His defensive work-rate is impeccable, and he reads the game well – intercepting the ball whenever the opportunity arises and breaking up play with forceful tackling.
But is there any point in moving for the 25-year-old? Is he better than Coquelin? I’m not convinced.
Although I have been, and still am, critical of Arsenal’s current midfield anchor, it certainly isn’t because of his defensive ability. Francis’ ability to read the game and intercept the play is outstanding. His defensive work-rate and concentration levels are exemplary.
The problem with the club’s midfield is that it lacks a world-class, deep-lying playmaker – someone who can both dictate our play from deep and press hard to win the ball back quickly. Purchasing Krychowiak wouldn’t solve this problem. His strengths are very similar to Coquelin’s; his play style almost identical.
The only improvement Grzegorz would bring to the side is his ability in the air, thanks to the Pole’s height, but even that would only be a marginal difference.
You could argue that having a player similar to Coquelin would be no bad thing – but for £22 million? That money could – and should – be invested elsewhere.
Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Marco Verratti – these are the sort of players I think Wenger should be going for this summer; players who combine the battling qualities of Grzegorz and Francis with the composure and passing of Mikel Arteta. If no one of that calibre is available, then I’d rather the club just saved the money instead of spending it on a Coquelin clone.
So, as a definitive answer to the question posed: no, Grzegorz Krychowiak is not an improvement on Francis Coquelin. It would be foolish to shed tears if we end up missing out on the Sevilla enforcer – if there was any real interest to start with – but it would be even more foolish to expect an improvement in our midfield if he arrives.
Arsenal need better.
Do you think Grzegorz Krychowiak is better than Coquelin, or do you think Arsenal should be aiming for world-class talent in his position? Let me know in the comments below.