Transfer Window Hidden Gems: Overshadowed by Nicolas Pepe but Jonathan Ikone can boost Arsenal

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  • The rumour mill is filled with transfer speculation linking household names and high-profile young talents with big-money moves to some of Europe’s top sides.

    With the inflated prices being bandied about, clubs would do well to look past the names and identify potential superstars based on encouraging performances that may have been overlooked.

    Promising talents often don’t get the attention they deserve because they’re featuring at lesser clubs away from the limelight of a title challenge or the recognition that comes with topping the charts for goals or assists.

    A more extensive search though could unearth some hidden gems scattered across the European circuit and, in this series, we put some of those players in the spotlight.

    While Lille starlet Nicolas Pepe is one of the most sought-after talents in football with an asking price of £70 million, it’s his team-mate Jonathan Ikone who features in our latest edition.

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  • STYLE OF PLAY

    Ikone grew up idolising Franck Ribery and, like his compatriot, is blessed with blistering pace and an innate dribbling ability. As such, his natural position would presumably be as a winger and that’s where he was initially played.

    However, his ability to receive possession in tight areas, seek out pockets of space and his keen eye for a pass has led to his current role as an attacking midfielder. That said, he’s equally effective in wide areas.

    When deployed through the middle though, his low centre of gravity facilitates quick turns and his direct running helps transition play from midfield to attack in the blink of an eye. He can go on excellent individual runs but as soon as he draws defenders in and opens up space in the back-line, he’s eager to release a forward runner.

    He does suffer from being a little too attack-minded at times though, always looking for the killer pass when easier options would help keep promising moves alive.

    KEY STATS

    He ranked 11th for dribbles completed in Ligue 1 last season while team-mate Pepe was fourth. However, he registered a better success rate (60 per cent to 55 per cent)

    He was sixth in the league for most short key passes and joint-fifth for most assists.

    SIMILAR TO – Nabil Fekir

    Like Nabil Fekir, Ikone is a diminutive playmaker operating in the final third who is also effective from wide areas. Both boast quick feet, excellent dribbling ability and great vision.

    They shield the ball well despite their slight physiques and both possess a great left-footed shot.

    The difference is Fekir takes a lot more shots and so tends to score more goals. He’s also more composed on the ball and gives it away less frequently. That said, Ikone is far from the finished product and is still honing those vital skills.

    Nabil Fekir

    CURRENT STATUS

    Ikone came through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy and made his debut in 2016 but moved away after a lack of first-team opportunities. He joined Montpellier on loan where he spent two seasons before joining Lille for €5m last summer.

    His contract runs until 2023 so the French outfit are under no pressure to sell and, with Pepe being hot property in Europe at the moment, they may be keen to hold on to Ikone given his team-mate’s likely departure.

    WHERE HE COULD THRIVE

    Everton: The Toffees finished the season strongly under Marco Silva and are looking to push on. Even though Ademola Lookman may be breaking into the side, Theo Walcott has been on the wane while Gylfi Sigurdsson could use some back-up.

    Silva advocates quick short passes and movement in attack. Ikone should slot in nicely, lending the attack greater mobility.

    Arsenal: With Aaron Ramsey gone while the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan flatter to deceive under Unai Emery, Arsenal could use a bright new attacking midfielder.

    The Gunners are still largely quick and fluid with their attacking play but transitions through the middle have been laboured, forcing them to rely on pace out wide. That’s where Ikone can help accelerate their forays centrally and release forwards sooner.

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