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What does Henry Onyekuru signing mean for Arsenal?

Arsenal are acting unlike Arsenal at the moment, beginning their transfer activity early on in the window, as opposed to leaving it late, like they usual do. This year, Arsene Wenger, who is set to stay for another two seasons, is bringing in Henry Onyekuru, an unknown prospect from Eupen.

With the £6.8 million transfer fee agreed, according to , all that is left to be done is personal terms. Onyekuru, who has been linked with Everton and West Ham recently, is a boyhood Arsenal fan and is unlikely to reject the chance of appearing in the famous red and white shirt.

What does Henry Onyekuru bring to Arsenal?

At 19 years of age, Onyekuru’s signing appears to be one for the future. However, after the season of his life, he certainly has the capability to make an impact. Despite the huge difference in fees, the Eupen forward’s signing has similarities with the gamble Manchester United took on Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman, like Onyekuru, can be utilised on both wings, while also as a centre-forward. Both youngsters also joined their respective sides relatively unknown and although no one is sure what impact Onyekuru will have, if he performs anything like Anthony Martial did during his first season, the Gunners’ fans will be in for a treat.

Onyekuru had a pretty impressive season last year, and while the standard of football wasn’t exactly on a par with the Premier League, he still outshone his peers. The Nigerian scored 22 goals over the duration of the campaign, which were vital in keeping his side in the Belgian Pro League. The former Qatar Aspire Academy graduate also assisted nine times.

As he was operating mainly as a winger, 22 goals is a highly impressive tally. The Nigerian also maintained a pass accuracy of 84%, displaying his capabilities of contributing to a possession based team like Arsenal.

How does Onyekuru’s arrival effect the other forwards at Arsenal?

While Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez – if they stay – will be relatively unfazed by this teenager’s arrival. Others may be worrying a little. From the top, Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud should maintain their places as the two main strikers. However, it could spell the end of Lucas Perez’s short Arsenal career, with a return to Spain likely.

If Wenger chooses to mature Onyekuru as a right-winger, as the left is sure to be occupied by Sanchez, Theo Walcott, who has been demoted to a spot on the bench, should be worried. With youth and enthusiasm, what Onyekuru will bring in the short-term is unknown, but if he impresses early on, he could steal a spot in the side.

Realistically speaking, the Eupen striker is expected to fulfill a squad role at Arsenal next season and this should have little effect on the current Arsenal set-up but if he hits form immediately, this unknown Nigerian could really shake things up at the Emirates.