WTTGT Writer: James Guy
It has been a tough season for Arsenal, another trophyless one which has seen faith lost in the manager and players alike. As a result of this, Wenger has promised to be “busy” and invest substantial money into the team over the summer.
One player that has caught the manager’s eyes, is the young Belgian, Eden Hazard. Allegedly Hazard is keen on a move to Arsenal, believing it will be easier to break into the first-team than at a team like Real Madrid. Hazard’s “dream to play for a big club” has been responded to by Wenger who said “let us try to make his dream come true.”
Where does he fit?
At the present time we have Nasri, Walcott, Vela, Miyachi, Emmanuel-Thomas, Bendtner, Rosicky and Arshavin who occupy a similar role to Hazard. With reports of a £12m bid for Shakhtar’s Willian; an agreement with Southampton to sign Oxlade- Chamberlain and the seemingly imminent arrival of Gervinho, Hazard is by no means the only player to arrive this summer?
If Arsenal add these three attacking midfielders/wingers, we will have eleven players in the same position if nobody leaves.What are Wenger’s plans then for the attacking side of the team?
Realistically, we will loan out Miyachi and Emmanuel Thomas unless we sell the latter. Other transfers on the cards are those of Bendtner and Rosicky, with Arshavin and Vela to be retained for at least one more season each bar an offer we cannot refuse.
If we then say we have Gervinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Nasri, Willian, Arshavin and Vela next season, then we will have seven players in this position.
Capabilities
Wenger is obviously wanting to acquire players who are capable of helping Arsenal win trophies now, not in a few years. Surely if he was serious in bidding for Hazard he would bid for him now. Lille’s owner has said that Gervinho and Hazard will not be sold during the same transfer window and if this is true and we are in extended talks with Gervinho, then does this mean Wenger is not even thinking of bidding for Hazard this year? Or is he thinking of a massive revamping of the squad which includes this acquisition this year?
This seems a bit out of character for Wenger based on dealings in recent years. But seems like what Arsenal need to compete in all fronts. Financial Fair Play comes into effect next year which is another reason Wenger has predicted this to be a “busy” summer. Surely he won’t want to miss out on the “next big thing,” like he did with Cristiano Ronaldo and Petr Cech before.
Second guessing
It is impossible to predict what Wenger is planning on doing this year, but surely he wouldn’t give such interest to a player he doesn’t intend on signing and using in the first team. Who knows what to expect from this make or break summer for both Wenger and the club, will he splash the cash for Hazard? Or be content with alternative players fulfilling Hazard’s role.
I believe Wenger still has hazard on his sights. I feel that he will probably bid for the player and if Lille cannot release him then Wenger should think about a buyout and then a loan option where he buys the player and loans him back to Lille for at least a year because Lille as apprehensive about loosing both Gervinho and Hazard. this could soften the blow for Lille and ensure that hazard plays Champions League next season which is what he wants and also ensure that we have the player we want. Hazard would not play against us in the Champions League should we meet and we would then have him as our player next year. I am not sure Lille will sustain top spot again next season going by the way the French League 1 turns out every season.
guessing : he will buy hazard and loan him back to lille for one year…
I can't see a team selling both their forwards, lol, even with a loan back. Wenger wants players at the club now, not a year from now. As for Myachi going out on loan, don't be so sure. Wenger despeartely wants his version of ManU's Park – and since Wenger has a MASSIVE following in Japan, it makes sense because of the revenue gained from Japan.
Emmanuel Thomas is fast becoming a Jermaine Pennant. He's just been caught driving a McClaren Mercedes without a license. Wenger will not have patience with another Pennant.
I think we'll buy Hazard and not Gervinho.
Arsenal wont be able to fend off Madrid, Barca, Chelsea, Man City & Liverpool. I'm an Arsenal fan but I can't see Arsenal bidding £30m to get this starlet. Then you've got to remember that when all of the above are alerted to, 'talks with Arsenal' they'll all big and drive the price up even further. If we sign Hazard I'll eat my hat.