Who is Clement Grenier and Why Are Arsenal Interested in Him?

Arsenal have this week been linked to Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier after Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas warned Arsene Wenger the Gunners would have to dig deep if they expect to sign Grenier. Wenger responded to reports that Gilles Grimandi, Arsenal’s French Scout has been watching Grenier by saying, “We are following him. His intelligence of play pleases me. He has interesting qualities. He reminds me of Nasri.”

Aulas quickly responded to Wenger’s statement by saying, “If Arsene wants to have an idea of Grenier’s price, I will tell him that it is the same as what Bayern Munich paid for Mario Gotze - around €37 [£31m].”(via Goal.com)

£31m is a large price to pay for a 22 year old relatively unknown midfielder from Ligue 1, and Arsenal would never spend that sort of money on Grenier, considering Wenger’s history of negotiation and spending. A quick look at Grenier’s numbers this season show just what type of player the Gunners would be getting if they do indeed bring in the young Frenchman.

Grenier featured in 28 of Lyon’s 38 league matches this season, playing 10 full matches but starting 20. He was brought on as a sub in the other eight matches that he featured in. He scored 7 goals in Ligue 1, but a look at this graphic shows that his dynamic goal-scoring ability. While five of his goals were scored with his right foot, the other two were scored with his left. Though Arsenal fans won’t be too content hearing an association with former Gunner Samir Nasri, the current Manchester City playerer’s goal-scoring ability during his time in London was something Arsenal fans surely didn’t mind.

Looking further into Grenier’s year in Ligue 1, the Frenchman created 44 chances and assisted 6 goals. This doesn’t come close to the 95 chances current Arsenal man Santi Cazorla created this season, but it does compare to the 53 chances Nasri created this year in as many games as Grenier.

Grenier operates mostly throughout the center of the pitch but is comfortable in wider areas as well. This dynamic role is similar to the roles that Oscar and Eden Hazard play at Chelsea. They are comfortable playing across the entire midfield and are very effective in both central and wide positions.

A look at Grenier’s heat map from his final league match of the season against Rennes shows his involvement across the midfield. Though he didn’t get too involved in Lyon’s happenings in the box, he was clearly comfortable in slightly deeper areas where he could create and influence the game.

At 6’1”, Grenier brings a bit of size to any midfield he is a part of and would certainly help bring a bit of size to Arsenal’s. With just 22 years of age, the Frenchman could be a smart signing for Wenger. Arsenal’s boss has consistently returned to France to shop for players, and the purchase of Grenier would help strengthen a squad that will aim to beat their fourth place finish this season.