With rumours growing that Arsenal could try to sign French youngster Nabil Fekir from Ligue 1 giants Lyon this summer, here’s a factfile on the talented 21-year-old for Gunners fans to read up on ahead of this possible transfer…
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1) He’s been compared with Messi and Hazard
A skillful attacking midfielder who can also play upfront, it’s perhaps little surprise to see this highly rated young talent compared with two world greats who do the same – Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi. If Fekir can go close to matching either of these two, he will surely have a great future in the game and prove a worthwhile buy for Arsenal, especially at a bargain price of just £15m.
2) He scores and assists in great numbers!
With 14 goals and 9 assists in all competitions this season, Nabil Fekir has shown superb quality in his ability to both score and provide in high numbers. He has no doubt benefitted from playing alongside the highly prolific Alexandre Lacazette upfront for Lyon, but equally he could do well to keep hitting good numbers if he links up with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium.
3) Stats rank him as among the best in Europe
Ranked as statistically the fourth best player in Ligue 1 this season, Fekir has been absolutely outstanding in the French top flight to produce better stats than some very big names. As well as that, the starlet is also statistically rated as the 28th best players in Europe overall, ahead of established stars like Sergio Aguero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Karim Benzema on WhoScored.com.
4) He’s been told to snub Manchester City
Good news, Arsenal fans – Fekir’s father thinks he should join the Gunners over other interested club Manchester City, saying he would not get the playing time he deserves at the Etihad Stadium.
5) Almost played for Algeria
Recently called up to the squad for the Algerian national team, Fekir had a last-minute change of heart and switched his national team allegiance to France instead, and has now made two caps for the senior French side, with manager Didier Deschamps tipping him to be a star of the future for his country.