Spanish football expert Euan McTear has warned against a move for Real Betis midfielder Nabil Fekir, with him claimed to be a target for Arsenal.
The Gunners have been following the French international for some time, with his father telling La Parisien (via HITC) back in 2015 that Arsenal wouuld be his only option back then, despite receiving an offer from Manchester City.
Fekir later came close to a move to Liverpool, only to complete a medical before the deal broke down, and he later left Lyon for Real Betis instead, where he has played his football since.
Arsenal are now being linked with his potential capture again this summer, but La Liga expert McTeat thinks he may prefer to stay with a smaller club, with Fekir described as someone who wants to be the ‘main guy’.
“I think so, because when somebody doesn’t pass him the ball, he gets quite frustrated so if he were to be in a bigger team, that might happen a lot more,” McTear told ThisIsFutbol.
“Maybe he is that kind of guy who just wants to be the best player on his team and maybe that’s partly why he went to Betis. But he’s at a level where he could go to teams better than Betis and still be the main guy, but yeah maybe, he’s the kind of player who will always ask for the ball.
“If he’s at bigger clubs he could do that and maybe not get it.”
Fekir will certainly not be the ‘main guy’ if he made the switch to North London, and I can’t think of anything worse for morale than a cry-baby who spits his dummy out all-too often.
If Fekir can get over that, he certainly does have the talent to play for a better side, but I think I’d much prefer us to try and pursue alternative targets.
Patrick
I definitely wouldn’t turn my nose up if we was in for him ,but probably just rumours
A lot of “maybe”in this article!imagine that a player who wants the ball what a crime “maybe”this is the kind of player we need in our team not afraid to receive the ball or try to make things happen instead of players playing it safe afraid of taking risks.
Also he was offered to Arsenal for 20M and UE wanted but someone at the club overruled him!
Shame that a silly article by Euan McTear. defames a top player. He could easily be a part of a top four team. Does any one watch La Liga? He is clearly a top quality player. Similar situation to Simon Jordan telling Ben White not to join Arsenal because Arsenal are not good enough. Players like Nabil Fekir, James Maddison can turn us from cart horses into thoroughbreds. We need flair players or we will stay mediocre.
That’s true and he is in the la Liga top 10 in most stats concerning the final third (ball progression dribbles…)the 2 categories he doesn’t make it are assists and goals .
I would be more concerned about the condition of his knees, picked up by the Liverpool medical. The EPL is very physical and the last thing Arsenal needs is a suspect player.
Ozziegunner
Fakir made 38 appearences last season and 33 the season before. The proof is in the pudding. Empirical facts are the best facts. He has proved himself.
Arsenal are being link with almost all the players in Europe without having a single deal done, am tired with too much rumours
same last year and years past and nobody came. yeah willian ceballos and odergan and now rowe and neilson are going
Not sure about fekir good player but having previously mentioned maddison which is not happening I would like either sabitzer or matthias perriera signed for n.10
This is the guy who supplied Lacazette with most of his Lyon goals.
As with Mkhi this is most likely not a wise move