Could Azmoun's Premier League move be a watershed moment?

Only four Iranian players have played in the Premier League, and only of those is currently active – Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh. However, that could be about to change when the transfer window opens at the end of the season.

Sardar Azmoun has reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal and former Gunners forward Andrey Arshavin has been touting his services to Mikel Arteta’s men. The forward has been a revelation since his move to Zenit St Petersburg last year. Azmoun has notched 29 goals in only 46 appearances for the club. The 25-year-old has proved his quality in all competitions, including the Champions League. Azmoun also has an impressive strike rate at international level with 32 goals in his 50 caps for Iran.

He certainly has the ability and a lot may hinge on whether the Gunners are able to qualify for Europe next season. The odds on the Premier League for Arsenal to finish in the top six are not promising, although a strong finish could see them beat out Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sheffield United for at least a place in the Europa League. The lure of playing in the English top flight could be enough to secure a deal for Azmoun, although he may have other suitors that could offer Champions League football.

Leicester City are such a club that could beat out the Gunners for his signature. The Foxes are in need of a long-term succession plan to replace Jamie Vardy in the final third. At the age of 34, Brendan Rodgers needs to have a player in mind sooner rather than later along with easing the burden on the former England man. Anyone monitoring the English Premier League predictions and betting tips will be aware that Leicester are in a strong position to finish in the top four, although the resurgence of Manchester United and Chelsea could knock them out of contention.

Other issues for Azmoun to consider would be the amount of playing time and his role. His style seems to suit the Foxes more. He has a physicality at 6ft 1in to put himself about playing in the final third on his own. However, he also has the pace to break in behind and is a massive asset on the counterattack.

Most importantly, Azmoun has a clinical edge in and around the box. His goal ratio has improved significantly as he developed at Zenit under the tenure of Sergei Semak. Whether he can sustain that level in the Premier League is another matter as Jahanbakhsh has discovered at Brighton. The leap from Eredivisie to the English top flight is massive, while the move from the Russian Premier League will likely be just as huge.

Azmoun will need time on his side and that might not be the case at Arsenal. The Gunners are facing a big decision regarding the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Alexander Lacazette is a similar player to the Iranian albeit slightly older, and although Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah are promising players they’re not quite ready to carry the attack on their own. Signing Azmoun could fill the void to lead the line through the middle, but it’s doubtful he’s ready for that responsibility.

If he could play with Aubameyang for a season it would be beneficial to his progress. The 25-year-old would likely have that time at Leicester with Vardy holding down the role until he passes on the mantle. Azmoun is not short of suitors and it will be an important choice for him and potentially a watershed moment for Iranian football.