Arsenal have not had a free-scoring midfielder since Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg. That has left the Gunners strikers with too much responsibility and while the goals have been shared around, it still has left a void for a much-vaunted midfielder that can get goals as well as assists.
Alan Dzagoev has scored three goals in two games for Russia in Euro 2012. His understanding with Arsenal playmaker Andrei Arshavin has been brilliant and Dzagoev has also shown he is up for the big stage.
Technically perfect and with an eye for a pass, Dzagoev can be the perfect fit at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger thrives on developing youngsters. He made Patrick Vieira into one of the best midfielders in the world. He converted Thierry Henry into a central striker from a left-winger, and the Arsenal legend went on to become the club's all-time leading scorer.
Dzagoev is only 21 years old. He has only six months remaining in his contract with CSKA Moscow. He is exactly the kind of player Wenger likes to bring in. Therefore, all signs point to him being the perfect addition to an Arsenal squad rich in midfield talent, but sometime missing in cutting edge.
Arshavin, similarly, had a terrific Euro 2008, but failed to adapt to the conditions in England and the physical approach, suggesting that Russian players might not be suited to the English game. Roman Pavlyuchenko, despite scoring goals for Russia and in clubs for Russia, barely gets a game for Tottenham Hotspur.
However, we all know all it takes is one player to break that mould. Dzagoev likes to get into the box. He likes looking for the second ball or a rebound. How many times have Arsenal thrown away chances, because there was no midfielder inside the penalty area to support the lone striker.
The midfielder can forge a partnership with Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey in the middle for years to come.
Pires was a master at scoring goals after cutting inside from the left. Ljungberg was the best at making late runs into the box and finding the back of the net.
It's too early to tell of course, but Dzagoev has it in him to emulate the likes of Pires and Ljungberg. Dzagoev can be both, or either. He has the talent and in the 'Professor' Wenger, Dzagoev will have the best possible teacher to take him into a youngster with promise into a world beater.
Now if only, Arsenal and Wenger would go out and buy him!
