Wolfsburg star Maxence Lacroix is the latest defender to be linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal.
The north Londoners have already added Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira to their ranks in this window and more incomings are expected to come through the door at the Emirates Stadium. Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez has been heavily linked with the Gunners, as well as Manchester United, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster the left-side of his defence.
French outlet Media Foot have claimed that Arsenal are tracking the progress of Lacroix and now football.london has taken a closer look at what he would bring to the club if he was signed this summer.
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Who is Maxence Lacroix?
Aged just 22, Lacroix is a talented defender born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France. He is a commanding centre-back, standing at 6ft 3ins and formerly plied his trade with Ligue 2 side Sochaux before joining Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in the summer of 2020.
The youngster has since established himself as one of the most promising centre-halves in the German top flight.
Why do Arsenal want him?
The Times reported earlier this summer that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to have two good options for each position given the implementation of five substitutes in the Premier League next season. The Spaniard already has William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White at his disposal and a deal to sign Lacroix would make the Gunners stacked at the back.
Arteta demands three key principles from his centre-backs, ensuring they can first and foremost defend to a higher standard but also that they are comfortable playing out from the back and possess the physical attributes to play in a high-line. Lacroix ticks all three boxes.
The Frenchman's defensive numbers are hugely impressive, averaging 4.04 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 3.36 successful aerial duels per 90 minutes last term, according to fbref. In fact, he managed more interceptions (112) than any other player in the Bundesliga across the 2021/22 campaign - illustrating his elite ability to read the game.
Lacroix is also extremely gifted physically. Despite his large frame, he is no slouch, clocking a top speed of 35,15 km/h last season - making him the 14th fastest player in the Bundesliga last term.
His ability on the ball is also impressive, often dribbling his way out of trouble, similar to how countryman Saliba often operates at the back. The 22-year-old completed 0.92 dribbles per 90 last season whilst Arsenal duo White and Gabriel scored 0.22 and 0.09 respectively.
The Wolfsburg man also averages more progressive passes per game (3.03) than the Gunners' centre-backs, with White registering 2.81 per 90 whilst his defensive partner averaged 2.44.
What has been said?
The Bundesliga's official website has heaped praise on the former France Under-20 international, comparing him to Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand. Their website reads: "A centre-back cut from the ‘tall and lean’ mould, rather than ‘big and hulky’ variety, Lacroix has a certain grace on the ball that is reminiscent of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand in his prime.
"Similarly able to glide out of defence and pick a forward pass to a teammate, his elegance masks a steely will to win and a healthy aggression." Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels has made it no secret of his admiration for his teammate as well.
Speaking about Lacroix, Casteels said: “He arrived here from France and I was amazed at how well he adapted to the level here. He’s a very talented boy."
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