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What's the rumour?
Arsenal and Liverpool are set to cross paths once again in the transfer window. According to reports from The Daily Star, both clubs are viewing a move for midfielder, Bryan Cristante, who is on loan at Atalanta, from his parent club Benfica. The Italian has a contract with the Portuguese champions until 2019 and is reported to be worth for £27 million.
In case you didn't know...
Cristante is a youth product of AC Milan and debuted for his boyhood club in 2011 at the age of just 16 in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the youngest player to represent Milan in Europe. Despite a promising start to his career, the midfielder was able to notch up only five appearances for the Rossoneri before being sold to Benfica in 2014.
A move to Portugal did not prove to be successful as he played in only 20 matches in his 18-month stint at the Eagles before being loaned out to Serie A clubs Palermo and Pescara in the last two years.
The heart of the matter
However, this season, the Italian has been thriving at Atalanta. He has become a permanent fixture in the midfield of the Bergamo club, having appeared in 35 games in all competitions scoring 10 goals. A well-rounded midfielder, Cristante primarily functions as a central midfielder but can also shift into a holding role as well as further up front in a number 10 role.
He utilises his height advantage to the fullest as he is excellent in the air and wins 2.5 aerial duels per game. The 23-year-old is a good finisher in front of goal and likes to take risks with his long-range shooting. He averages 1.8 tackles, 1.3 long balls and nearly two shots per game.
Rumour probability/rating: 7.5/10
Both Arsenal and Liverpool will be looking to add firepower in midfield following the uncertainty regarding the futures of Jack Wilshere and Emre Can respectively. The price tag is also a reasonable one since both the Premier League have got the funds to afford the signing.
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Author's take
Bryan Cristante is an all-rounder in midfield who can play in a defensive and attacking role. He has an excellent work rate and tracks back to help in defence. His key strength is winning battles in the air which he will be an important trait to possess for a midfielder to succeed Premier League.
Either club will benefit from a tall presence in midfield who is not just efficient as a playmaker but can also shoot from range and score decisive goals.
