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Arsenal are looking at new players yet again and this time it is the name of Aleksey Batrakov that has emerged on the radar.
Batrakov is one of the top young attacking midfielders in Europe at the moment and his form and talent has been impressing some of Europe’s very best scouting networks.
But with Arsenal expressing fresh interest in the Russian midfielder, just what could the Gunners fans get to see if the 21-year-old did sign?
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Batrakov is most well known for playing in the attacking midfield positions, primarily as a number ten.
He can also play across the front though and has been used in both wide positions when needed. Crucially, he is also known for being productive from set-pieces.
Batrakov made his name with Lokomotiv Moscow and it’s safe to say that there was a reason why Galatasaray signed him.
The 21-year-old played 84 times for the Russian outfit, scoring an impressive 34 times and adding a further 23 assists in those appearances.
Since moving to Turkey, he’s played nine times, already scoring twice and providing another two goals.
Given Galatasaray paid over £20m to take Batrakov from Moscow, it’s being reported now that any move to a club like Arsenal or elsewhere will now cost at least double.
Reports suggest anywhere around the 50m Euro mark will tempt the Turkish team into doing business.
A big fan of Batrakov, Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has made no secret of his desire to work with the Russian. Indeed, had it not been for sanctions preventing funds moving to Russia, he may well be at Barca already.
“I’ve seen many games, and after the last one, I have to say he’s a great player,” Flick said earlier this year. “If you’re young and talented, why not dream? We have to try everything.”
Clearly,, Batrakov could end up at one of Europe’s very best teams if he continues on his current trajectory.
Quite whether that team will be Barcelona, Arsenal, or elsewhere, remains to be seen.