Xabi Alonso: Looking To Replicate Xhaka Transfer With Arsenal's Undervalued Asset.

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Identifying Arsenal's Undervalued Assets

Analyzing Player Profiles

Alonso's tactical approach favors players with technical proficiency and tactical intelligence. Therefore, identifying Arsenal's undervalued assets requires assessing players who, despite their talent, aren't receiving sufficient playing time or are underperforming relative to their potential. This analysis also considers players whose contracts are expiring, making them potentially more affordable transfer targets.

• Player A: Emile Smith Rowe: Possesses excellent dribbling skills and creative passing but has struggled for consistent game time due to injuries and competition for places. His market value might not reflect his potential.
• Player B: Kieran Tierney: A talented left-back with a strong attacking presence, but the arrival of Zinchenko has limited his opportunities. His contract situation and potential desire for more regular first-team football could make him a target.
• Player C: Folarin Balogun: A prolific striker on loan who is showing his potential, but may not get many chances in the first team. His valuation may be below his true worth given his goal scoring record.

Evaluating Market Value vs. Actual Value

The discrepancy between a player's market value (often reflected on sites like Transfermarkt) and their actual potential contribution is crucial. For instance, a player with a lower market value due to injury history or lack of consistent playing time might possess skills and experience far exceeding their current valuation.

• Why they are undervalued: These players' lower market values could stem from injury concerns, inconsistent form, or simply a lack of consistent first-team opportunities under Mikel Arteta. However, under a different manager with a different system, their potential could be unlocked.
• Potential for growth: Alonso's tactical expertise in developing midfielders and creating a cohesive team environment could be the catalyst these players need to unlock their full potential. A change of scenery and a new system could revitalize their careers.

Parallels with the Xhaka Transfer

Xhaka's Transformation at Leverkusen

Granit Xhaka's move to Bayer Leverkusen proved remarkably successful. Under Alonso's guidance, Xhaka experienced a significant transformation, showcasing improved performances in several key areas.

• Specific improvements: Xhaka's passing accuracy increased dramatically, his defensive positioning improved, and he emerged as a more influential leader on the pitch. His disciplinary record also saw a positive shift.
• Statistical evidence: Concrete statistics, such as increased key passes per game and a reduction in yellow cards, support the claim of Xhaka's marked improvement under Alonso.

Transfer Strategy and Tactical Fit

The key to the Xhaka transfer's success was the tactical fit. Xhaka's strengths aligned perfectly with Alonso's preferred style of play, a possession-based system requiring intelligent midfielders with excellent passing range. A similar analysis needs to be applied to potential Arsenal targets.

• Tactical aspects: Alonso's system emphasizes precise passing, midfield control, and tactical flexibility. An Arsenal player with similar attributes would be an ideal addition to Leverkusen.
• Strengthening Leverkusen's squad: The right player could enhance Leverkusen's midfield creativity, passing accuracy, and overall tactical fluidity.

Potential Challenges and Obstacles

Arsenal's Valuation and Negotiation

Negotiating a transfer will present challenges. Arsenal will likely demand a significant fee, considering the potential of these players. Bayer Leverkusen's budget will be a key factor influencing the feasibility of any potential deal.

• Factors influencing the transfer fee: Player wages, contract length, and competing interest from other clubs will impact the final transfer fee.
• Budgetary constraints: Bayer Leverkusen's financial resources will limit their negotiating power, potentially making a deal difficult to finalize.

Player's Willingness to Move

The player's personal aspirations and desire to leave Arsenal are crucial. A player unwilling to move, regardless of the financial incentives, will prevent a transfer from happening.

• Factors influencing a player's decision: Game time, ambition, and their relationship with the Arsenal management and coaching staff will heavily influence their decision.

Conclusion

Xabi Alonso's successful integration of Granit Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen provides a compelling case study for targeting undervalued Arsenal assets. The potential benefits for both Leverkusen and the targeted Arsenal player are significant. By identifying players with a tactical fit for Alonso's system and negotiating a suitable transfer fee, Leverkusen could replicate the Xhaka success story.

Who do YOU think Xabi Alonso should target as his next undervalued Arsenal asset? Share your opinions using #ArsenalTransfers #BayerLeverkusen #XabiAlonso #UndervaluedAsset!