Last season, Arsenal couldn't live without Martin Odegaard in the team.
Alongside the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, he was the heartbeat of this side, most notably in forward areas.
Most notably, there was that magical assist against Porto in the Champions League, one of 12 assists and one of 23 goal involvements he registered in 2023/24.
Arsenal-Martin-Odegaard
Sadly, his form in 2024/25 has left so much to be desired. While Odegaard has actually registered 11 assists in all competitions, he's only found the net on five occasions, the latest of which came against PSV back in March.
So, Arsenal could do with an upgrade, someone capable of scoring and assisting in equal measure.
Arsenal could sign Premier League assist king
Mikel Arteta has a number of areas he needs to strengthen the squad this summer, chiefly in attack where Arsenal lack an out-and-out number 9.
In that regard, the Gunners are pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres and he could be the second signing of the summer behind midfielder Martin Zubimendi who the club are reportedly confident of signing.
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Not just content with improving the base of their midfield, Andrea Berta could also go out and sign a more creative force with Lyon's Rayan Cherki linked in the last week. Still, he's not a fraction on Manchester City hero Kevin De Bruyne.
A few weeks ago, it was announced that the great Belgian would be leaving the Etihad Stadium in the summer on a free transfer at the conclusion of his contract.
Speaking following the news, Pep Guardiola stated: "[He is] one of the greatest midfielders ever to have played in this country, and I think with Man City there's no doubt. Greatest or not the greatest, always you have to be careful with players that played at Maine Road, incredible players in the last 20, 30 years in this club."
So, where could he end up? Well, one report over the weekend, which comes courtesy of journalist Graeme Bailey, suggests that Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all in the race for him.
kevin-de-bruyne-man-city
Bayern Munich and clubs in Italy are also interested in the playmaker, but the three English sides have all been discussing De Bruyne behind the scenes, exploring whether they want to make a move for the 33-year-old.
How De Bruyne could be the new Bergkamp
Cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium, Dennis Bergkamp is one of the biggest legends in Arsenal history.
Dennis-Bergkamp-Arsenal
Signed in 1995 from Inter Milan, the Dutchman would later go down as one of the best players in Premier League history. He dazzled with his close control, terrified defenders with his dribbling, struck the fear of god into goalkeepers around the country and could unlock even the deepest of blocks.
What Arsenal would do for a player like that now, eh? Bergkamp played 422 times for the Gunners, scoring 120 goals and registering 116 assists. In the Premier League, he ranks sixth in history for assists with 64. One of the men ahead of him? De Bruyne.
Most assists in PL history
Player
1. Ryan Giggs
2. Kevin De Bruyne
3. Cesc Fabregas
4. Wayne Rooney
5. Frank Lampard
6. Dennis Bergkamp
7. David Silva
8. Steven Gerrard
Stats via Premier League.
Described as "one of the best midfielders of his generation" by Jamie Carragher, there is very little that the magical Belgium hasn't achieved.
A six-time Premier League winner, the Manchester City icon has posted a ridiculous 261 assists in 647 club games. 177 of those assists have come in 418 City games. 119 of them have come in the English top-flight.
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after the match
Like Bergkamp in his prime, De Bruyne is one of the best playmakers we've seen. Even at the ripe old age of 33, he can pick the lock of the sternest of defences, and he's a pretty fine goalscorer too, finding the net 108 times in sky blue.
To further rubberstamp the comparisons between the two. only De Bruyne has registered more assists per 90 minutes in Premier League history than Bergkamp. The duo stand proud as two of the best attacking midfielders or shadow strikers we've seen in English football.
Most assists per 90 in PL history
Player
1. Kevin De Bruyne
2. Dennis Bergkamp
3. Cesc Fabregas
4. David Silva
5. David Beckham
6. Mo Salah
Stats via Stat Muse.
So jaw-dropping in fact, De Bruyne is actually quite far ahead of the legendary Bergkamp now for assists.
Let's set the record straight, signing an ageing player on high wages might not be the best port of call but this is hardly another Willian or Raheem Sterling situation here. The City sensation is one of the finest to ever do it, and slapping his level of experience in this Arsenal team would surely go down a treat.
Odegaard-Zinchenko-Sterling-Kiwior-Nwaneri-Arsenal Related
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Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth.