Arsenal are currently being linked with a whole host of strikers whilst the Jamie Vardy to Arsenal transfer saga continues, but a new name that pops up in the rumours today is Southampton star Sadio Mane.
Mane has been linked with Arsenal in the past, but the rumours are nowhere near as consistent as other players we have been linked with over the years. Therefore we will have to see if this piece in the media develops any further over the coming days. According to a few media reports today including the Metro, Daily Star and the Daily Mail, Arsene Wenger has turned his watchful eye on Mane, as he considers making a move for the Senegalese international.
The reports suggest that with Ronald Koeman leaving Southampton there could be a mix up of players being left feeling a little disappointed and considering the ambition of the club. With such unrest in mind, players such as Mane may seriously consider moving on if an offer like Arsenal does come in. Mane has also been a target for Manchester United in the past year with the Red Devils showing a very keen interest last January. The media reports it would take a £35 million move to secure Mane however, which can be looked at in two ways. Is that £35 million that secured us Alexis Sanchez or is it the £35 million quote that Leicester will have to pay Watford in order to sign Troy Deeney?
You can look at that price tag in a number of ways and personally I don’t think Wenger will pay £35 million for Mane, when for the same price he could put in a bid for Mahrez or even a player such as Isco or Gotze. £10-15 million on top of that would also secure you a world class midfielder/striker so I simply can’t imagine Wenger splashing that sort of money on Sadio Mane.
I like Mane as a player and think he has a lot of talent. He consistently shows his ability week in, week out and is recognised as one of Southampton’s best players. However in my opinion the price is deemed a little high and so if true, I can’t see Arsenal taking this story any further.
Where will we find the striker we crave so badly?
By AH