Arsene Wenger admits that it is only paperwork that is between Yaya Sanogo and joining Ajax on loan. He also thinks that it would be to the benefit of the forward. The presence of two former Arsenal legends at the Dutch club is a cause of optimism for Wenger. Marc Overmars is the director of football at Ajax while Dennis Bergkamp is the assistant to the manager Frank de Boer.
Wenger still has good relations with his two former pupils who starred in the double winning Gunners side of 1998. Le Prof also has high hopes on the talent of Sanogo and he thinks that with time he can mature into a better forward.
Staying at Arsenal may not have given much game time for Sanogo. Wenger is reportedly looking for another center forward in the market. Even in the case of not signing any one, it is not sure how often Sanogo will start for Arsenal. So, the best scenario is for him to go on loan to a club that can aid his development and also promise more game time.
Both the boxes can be ticked at Ajax. Also, the club is renowned for its academy and history of nurturing talent. So, it would be a huge opportunity for Sanogo to gain European experience too. Ajax qualified to the Champions League third qualifying group. There is every possibility that Sanogo will return with European experience of playing some of the best teams. Of course, he already played in Europe with Arsenal but he may play regularly with Ajax.
Wenger will hope that Bergkamp will be able to unlock the natural talent of Sanogo. The Dutch legend was a predator in front of the goal in his peak and Wenger will love if he can impart some of that to Sanogo.
‘He will go on loan. He is at that age where he needs to play.’ Wenger said. ‘He came to us injured and it took us a while to get him to top level.
‘I am sure it will be good for Ajax and he has an opportunity to play in the Champions League and that’s vital for his experience. ‘Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars work there and we have a good relationship with them.’
The 22-year-old has scored only once for Arsenal in his two year stint so far at the Emirates Stadium. The former Auxerre forward has scored the opener in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last year.
Sanogo too has his eyes set on the loan deal. He hopes to emulate the former Ajax greats Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nwankwo Kanu. Sanogo spent the second half of last season on loan at the Premier League side Crystal Palace. He says that a personal call from Ajax boss Frank de Boer told him that the Dutch giants want him to develop at the club.
Wenger will keep a keen eye on Sanogo throughout the season once the loan deal is completed. More of the supporters will also, because Sanogo is surely the one to watch out for the future, and hopefully Bergkamp can teach him th Arsenal way of doing things stylishly….
Sridhar