Romano's latest on Arsenal target ‘like Alexander-Arnold’

Robin Bairner

13 Nov 2023 07:09 GMT
4 min read

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Arsenal’s January transfer interest in Galatasaray full-back Sacha Boey, a player who offers similarities in his playing style to Liverpool’s dashing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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Boey is one of several players who has been rumoured to be close to Mikel Arteta’s side as they seek reinforcement in the full-back area ahead of the January transfer window.

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The Gunners are particularly looking for cover on the right, where Thomas Partey, who started the season playing there, faces a long period out through injury. There is a lack of depth in that area, where Ben White is now the automatic starter when available, and Boey had been one of the players who might have come in to help.

Romano, meanwhile, says that while there is substantial interest in the 23-year-old Frenchman, it is not necessarily led by Arsenal.

“Another player linked with Arsenal is Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey, who spoke in an interview recently about the Gunners holding talks to sign him during the summer, though he says they never made an official bid,” football transfer news specialist Romano told CaughtOffside.

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“Honestly, though, I’m told Arsenal were never in concrete talks for any full-back as they signed Jurrien Timber as their priority target to cover different positions.

“So with Boey it was nothing concrete, nothing advanced. Many clubs are following Boey for the future but it’s not something that we can describe as a deal or negotiation yet.”

Why Boey is like Alexander-Arnold

Boey is capable of playing either on the left or right of defence, while his attacking style of play has won many admirers.

According to data analytics experts SciSports, his style of bears similarities to Alexander-Arnold, but while he has been one of the leading full-backs in the Super Lig with Galatasaray this season, his overall level remains short of the England star.

This season, he has played 22 matches for Galatasaray and has scored one goal without gaining an assist as yet. Indeed, in 74 appearances for the Turkish side, he has three strikes to his name and four decisive passes.

Indeed, Boey’s expected transfer value is set at €10.5 million, according to FootballTransfers’ Player Valuation Model, while SciSports believe that he is currently only good enough for a rotation role at Arsenal – although that may be all Arteta needs come January.