Arsenal are aiming to sign a left-winger this summer. Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers appears to be their priority target, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly pushing for his signature.
Arsenal face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for the English midfielder.
The Gunners have identified Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as an alternative should they miss out on Rogers.
Why Arsenal should target Bazoumana Toure as an alternative to Morgan Rogers
Bazoumana Toure enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign with Hoffenheim. He registered five goals and 15 assists in 45 games across all competitions.
Described as an ‘exciting player‘ by Hoffenheim managing director for sport Andreas Schicker, Toure is renowned for his dribbling and ability to pick out decisive passes.
The 20-year-old averaged 1.6 successful dribbles per game in the Bundesliga last season — the sixth highest in the top flight.
He also created 11 big chances — a tally only bettered by two Arsenal players in the Premier League last season.
His blistering pace also makes him a good counter-attacking threat. Only eight players registered a higher speed than him in the German top-flight last term.
Toure is also a good crosser of the ball, which would bode well for Arsenal’s aerial threats such as Gabriel and Kai Havertz.
Add to his appeal is his versatility, as he is capable of operating on the right flank and as a wing-back. His ability to play as a wing-back highlights his defensive attributes.
However, he needs to improve his passing to become an elite winger.
The Ivorian is reportedly available for €40 million, significantly less than Gibbs-White and Rogers would cost Arsenal.
The north London side have already been credited with an interest in Toure, but they have to move fast as he is also wanted by Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Stats from sofascore.com & bundesliga.com