Signing Suggestion #5: A Winger
600 comments July 13th, 2007
With the signing of Bacary (as opposed to “Bakaryâ€) Sagna completed yesterday, thoughts inevitably turn towards strengthening other areas. We’re still in profit from our transfer dealings this summer, so there’s plenty of money and time for Arsene to work his magic.
At the start of the summer, there were several key areas in which we needed to recruit:
- A young goalkeeper to eventually replace Jens Lehmann
- A right-back to provide greater defensive stability than either Eboue or Hoyte
- A natural finisher
- A winger with penetrative power on the flanks
If you look at that list, the first three demands have arguably been met by the respective arrivals of Fabianski, Sagna, and Eduardo. Now what we want, nay need, is a winger. The possible departure of Freddie Ljungberg would only make the situation more urgent. Although any target should ideally be able to play on both flanks, being left-sided would be an advantage – we have Hleb, Rosicky, Walcott, and Eboue all able to play on the right. On the left there are only Rosicky and possibly Diaby, though neither option is likely to get outside the full-back. This summer, we’ve already seen Franck Ribery, Florent Malouda, and now Ryan Babel join other clubs – now it’s time for Arsene to make his move. And here are some potential targets:
Robinho, Real Madrid
Easily the most ambitious target of those I’ve presented, Robinho is a player finally hitting form after a couple of difficult years at Real Madrid. Robinho was shown around London Colney just before he signed for real, and in spite of his sparkling Copa America performances, he could be available if Madrid move for Arjen Robben. If I was Arsene I’d be making a cheeky offer of £15m plus Jose Antonio Reyes to test Schuster’s resolve.
Royston Drenthe. Feyenoord
Whilst Liverpool have gone for Babel, Drenthe was unquestionably the star of Holland’s triumphant U21 side this summer. Capable of playing at either left-back of left-midfield, Real are targeting the tricky youngster as a £10m replacement for Roberto Carlos. However, the success of compatriots Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp, as well as Arsene Wenger’s reputation for developing talent, could tempt Drenthe into a move to London.
Antonio Puerta, Sevilla
As with Drenthe, the biggest advantage of signing Puerta would be his ability to cover at left-back aswell as the wings. But he is no utility player – pacey, skilful, and with great crossing ability, Puerta is a long-standing Arsenal target. With his chances at Sevilla limited by the form of Adriano, now might be the time to make our move.
Ricardo Quaresma, Porto
Another longshot, especially considering the Spanish and Portugese press seem certain he’ll make a €25m move to Athletico Madrid. But he is simply an extraordinary footballer. Although he lacks Ronaldo’s stature and power, he has all of his technique and fair. He certainly has a hefty price-tag, but he would add another dimension and another match-winner to our team.
Franco Semioli, Chievo Verona
Although you may not have heard of Semioli, Arsene Wenger certainly has. He was very much on the radar last Summer, although the clubs could not agree on a fee. Since then, Chievo have been relegated, and Fiorentina were expected to pick Semioli up on the cheap. However, their recent interest in Freddie Ljungberg has quietened that speculation. Two-footed, creative, and capable of scoring the odd goal, Semioli could be back on Arsene’s shopping list this Summer.
So there you have it. Any one of those would do nicely.
Any deal for Robinho would not involve Cesc Fabregas, who is staying at Arsenal this season. However, like a movie producer plugging a threquel, his agent just cannot resist a tantalising glimpse of the fun awaiting us next Summer:
“We would like to thank Real for the interest they have shown. President Ramon Calderon and sports director Predrag Mijatovic have been very good to us and it is the second time Real have shown an interest in the player. Maybe they will get lucky the third time.”
