Everything Arsenal and Tottenham fans need to know about their potential summer signing

Not to be confused with former Senegal captain and Marseilles forward Mamadou, young French forward M’baye Niang is one of Europe’s hottest properties this summer. Arsenal, Tottenham are all apparently keen on Niang’s signature, but who is he?

Niang is perhaps the least well-known of a trio of young striking talents at Milan. Since signing for the Italian giants in 2012, the 18-year-old has slotted in nicely with his peers Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy. Having faith in such young talent is a risky move for Milan, and Balotelli is hardly a perfect role-model for Niang to look up to, but so far the risk has paid off.

Making his debut for first club Caen at 16, Niang has long been seen like a striker out of the ordinary. The Frenchman can also play as an attacking midfielder, and is often used as a right-winger for Milan in a three-man forward line. While often coming off the bench in his debut season, Niang has still been noticed. Although his 1 goal in 20 appearances is hardly setting the world alight, the skills Niang has demonstrated are far beyond his years and was unlucky not to send Milan through into the Champions League semi-finals after his effort against Barcelona hit the post.

In the home leg against Barcelona, Niang contributed to Milan’s second goal with some great-hold up play and ball control. The greatest asset of Niang is his speed of thought, awareness and instinct. The 18-year-old is always making great runs, and starting moves for Milan, even if his team-mates are not always on the same wave-length. The only problem seems to be Niang’s gangly frame cannot always keep up with what he is thinking, but in time he will learn to use his 6ft body to its full extent. M’baye is also very quick and has good finishing ability, and the only weapon missing from his arsenal is heading, but again, that is something he could work on. Time is on his side.

Milan seems to be a good destination for Niang, and he could develop into a feared striker for the Rossoneri. But equally if he was to move on, any number of teams would happily take a chance on this hot-prospect.

Will Mata Follow @footyfriends