Age: 21
Nationality: French
Position: Striker
Squad no. 22
Height: 6ft 4
Interesting Fact: Sanogo came through the Auxerre youth academy, the same place About Diaby and Bacary Sagna learnt their trade.
Yaya Sanogo joined Arsenal the Summer before last on a free from Auxerre. In the final few months of Ligue 2 the youngster netted 10 goals in 13 appearances and caught the eye of many clubs across Europe. His long history with injuries though meant many sides weren’t prepared to take the gamble on him, with Arsenal being the only top team to put a concrete offer on the table. Early into Sanogo’s Arsenal career a back injury kept him out for a sustained period of time, and after participating in a couple of games at the start of the season he was out until mid-February. Generally he played a back-up role towards the end of the season, but did start games against Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the FA Cup and Champions League. By the end of the season the gangly striker hadn’t got on the scoresheet after 14 appearances, but had shown huge promise. He is still raw and there is a lot more developing to do, but last year we saw glimpses of what a good player he could be. If he can get on the scoresheet soon, and improve his confidence in front of goal, Sanogo could be a big player for the Gunners in the future, after all he does have all the attributes that could make him a top striker eventually.
How Much Will He Play?
With Giroud out injured there will definitely be some opportunities for Sanogo. Welbeck is expected to be the main man but Sanogo will definitely play in the cup matches and may play the odd Premiership game too. At this moment in time he is our second choice striker, and he will definitely be needed in the upcoming months. A goal is what he needs to improve his confidence and should he start firing it’ll be an interesting battle for the no.1 striker role. By January, when Gioroud is back, I’d like to see him get a loan move. Game time will be at a premium for him by then and I feel he’ll develop playing at a lore Premiership standard or maybe even in the Championship.
How Well Will He Do?
It’s hard to say. So far in his Arsenal career he has shown glimpses of brilliance, but on the whole he has struggled. His hold-up play is pretty good but his control and finishing aren’t up to scratch for a title challenging side. A goal could change his mentality completely, but until that happens it seems unlikely he’ll have a major impact at the club.
Read: Report cards for the whole Arsenal squad
Control: 6/10
Hold-up play: 8/10
Heading: 7/10
Finishing: 5/10
Speed: 7/10
Strength: 8/10
Current Value: £5million
Potential Value: Seems unlikely at this stage, but if he develops well in excess of £15million.
Overall Rating: 6/10