Arsene Wenger will reportedly look to nab Everton pair Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta as he looks to strengthen his Arsenal side before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. The Gunners boss is thought to be looking to take advantage of the financial problems that have beset the Merseyside club that may lead to David Moyes having to sell players in order to balance the books.
Arsenal have already failed with two bids to sign England international Jagielka but Wenger is ready to up his bid to £15m for the 29 year old centre back, a player the French boss feels can greatly assist in solidifying a leaky defence. The former Sheffield United has been a hugely important figure at Goodison Park and Moyes will be loathed to lose the player who arrived at the club in July 2007 and has amassed almost 150 appearances for Everton.
Jagilelka may feel that a move to Arsenal would assist in his pursuit of a regular place in the England set-up and would also garner his Sale born battler his first taste of Champions League football. Wenger has a severe defensive headache at present with last summer’s signings Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci both failing to adapt to life in the Premier League and with youngster Johan Djourou out has had to call upon inexperienced Spaniard Ignasi Miguel to partner the reliable Belgian Thomas Vermaelen.
Wenger is also keen on Mikel Arteta would he feels could be a good short to medium term replacement for Cesc Fabregas. The former Rangers man is a cult hero with Toffees fans and has often been a pivotal figure in the club’s attacking third but after six and a half years at Everton the talented midfielder would surely be tempted by a move to Arsenal.
The Spaniard, also 29 years of age, is a player of real quality who has an eye for goal and a set piece specialist who Wenger believes could be of great use to Arsenal for a few seasons and whilst Aaron Ramsey is considered as a potential replacement for Cesc Fabregas the Welshman is perhaps still not ready to fill his boots just yet.
Whereas Wenger is well known for his trusting to youth and his commitment to lesser known players he feels can step up a gear, he also knows that this current campaign could be a make or break one and after six years of relative failure is looking to bring in experienced players well versed in how the Premier League works and feels the most cost effective solution in this regard is to make the most of Everton’s need for quick cash with solid bids for Jagielka and Arteta.
No comments:
Post a Comment