Arsenal Transfer Target: Stevan Jovetic

We’re baaaaaccccckkkkk. After what seemed like an eternity there is finally meaningful football to once again concern ourselves with. If you are a new follower to You Are My Arsenal, you may not know that we do spend the interlulls recharging our batteries. Additionally, as you may or may not have noticed, the has been a scarcity of Arsenal related news to discuss until. . . Tuesday.

Tuesday Arsenal transfer target Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina had this to say:

“I’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest,” Jovetic told the Sun. “It’s a big pleasure for me to be on the radar of such a big club. I am happy about that.

“I’ve always had an affinity with Arsenal. It’s a major club with a big tradition, one of the biggest in Europe.

“It’s not easy to replace [Robin] van Persie, who scored a lot of goals. Arsenal have plenty of players who don’t score like Van Persie, but are also very good.

“They are still very strong. I often watch Premier League games on TV. It’s one of the best leagues in the world and looks tempting for me.

Instantly social media were aflutter with what many were calling a “come and get me plea.” I have another take on it – while Arsenal were mentioned, it was a general declaration of interest to see what offers may come from any club – not just the Gunners.

And why not?

Jovetic is a highly regarding forward and has drawn interest from all over Europe. Arsenal and Manchester City are only the “newest” set of suitors.  And because of such interest and the fact that Jovetic and/or his people seem to be openly inviting club flirtations, it is likely not to be a transfer saga that resolves itself quickly.

But let’s put that all aside and take a look at what would Arsenal get with a player like Jovetic.

First let’s get to some of his perceived weaknesses. . . and there are some. As a 6 footer he has some obvious flaws and the biggest are – he’s not so good in the air and his speed leaves something to be desired.  Not tremendous flaws. If he were playing in tandem with say Giroud, you don’t need to be good in the air as Giroud makes up for that. Speed can be overcome with our speed on the wings.

You want to play to Jovetic’s strengths and those are plenty.

First, you have to know that Jovetic’s best role is as a second striker even though he can play as the leader of the line. And as such he would complement someone like Giroud. Jovetic is an exceptional passer and he holds a pass completion rate of 78% and 50% of them are passes going forward.

He complements his passing ability with strength in hold up play and loves to set up in front of defenses and distribute the ball. So far this season he has set up 23 chances and gained 3 assists. More than 80% of his chances all come through the middle of the pitch. So in addition to assisting Giroud his chance creation statistics might also mean he could take some pressure off the likes of Cazorla, Wilshere and other midfielders in creating chances.

But the real reason you want Jovetic is his finishing ability. So far this season for Fiorentina he is averaging a goal every other game (12 in 24). And that is happening while Fiorentina play with a variety of systems –  their primary formation is a 3-5-1-1 with Jovetic either the top of the attack with  Adem Ljajic supporting from the hole or Jovetic dropping back to support Luca Toni. Fiorentina have also explored going with a 4-3-3. Either way regardless of where he plays he has been money for Fiorentina.

Of interest to me would be to see the linking up play between Jovetic and Giroud and how they might support each other. Additionally, by adding Jovetic and possible a true DM Arsenal could “re-balance the squad.”  With his ability and DM sitting in front of the back four, not so many players would need to surge forward for the attack. Jovetic’s rocket shot, his creativity and overall ability provide another dimension Arsenal don’t have right now.

Jovetic at 23 years old is the key to Fiorentina. He is already growing in stature and while he is not world class, his age and ability show an upward trajectory that will likely propel him there. For Arsenal he could be the replacement for Van Perise they didn’t get. He could add so much more to an attack that needs just that “little extra.” Consider also this – 2010 -2011 season was disasterous for him as he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for the whole season.

As Arsenal fans are all too aware, that kind of injury has consequences. You wouldn’t know it from this lad who has returned to play for Fiorentina with just the same verve and skill he had before the injury – which is why there is interest in him.

Arsenal need a player of this type. He isn’t going to be a £30 million purchase but he will likely cost more than it cost Arsenal put out to sign Andrei Arshavin. But whereas Andrei may have been at the peak of his career and only had a downward slope to go, Jovetic at 23, a technical, two-footed forward with strength and skill when the ball is at his feet, only has up to go.

There are obvious questions of course about the club and whether they would make the move. Or even if they made the move, would they think enough of Jovetic to get into a bidding war. We’ve all heard Arsenal tell us they will have fire-power eventually to draw talent. Based on some estimates this summer will be the first test of that fire power. A move and a substantial would signify Arsenal are serious about their intent.

I know it’s all a road we have travelled before. But the optimist in me figures one time they actually have to be right. Here’s to hoping this is it.

In the mean time enjoy some Stevan skill: