Arsenal’s priorities may be up front, whilst we also anticipate the signing of Rob Holding from Bolton in the coming days, but could we still do with one more versatile midfielder?
There’s no doubt that Arsenal are in need of a striker and a winger this summer and with Wenger seeming unlikely to sign both or perhaps neither at this rate, then it’s worth pointing out there’s two names I think could fit the bill perfectly at Arsenal.
The first target is Mario Gotze and the second name is Julien Draxler. There is little point in divulging into the story behind Draxler, given that Arsenal’s supposed interest in the German international has gone quiet once again, but I do think given Draxler’s ability to play on both the wing and as a striker means that he would be a perfect fit in the Arsenal set up.
Mario Gotze on the other hand is a player that Arsenal must show some form of interest in this summer, if he is truly available at a cut price. Gotze may not be the most predominate striker, but he has played the position for both Bayern Munich and Germany on occasion, instead of his much favoured central attacking midfield role. Gotze also offers versatility on the wing and would be a much better ‘Ramsey’ so to say, when Wenger chooses to play the Welshman on the wing. Again Gotze is not a conventional winger and his game is based on ball control and dribbling rather than pace, but not every winger needs to base their game upon speed at Arsenal, otherwise we may as well stick with Theo Walcott.
Gotze is known to be available this summer after wanting to leave Bayern Munich to find more regular playing time. The German international has been linked with a return to former side Borussia Dortmund, but so far there is no agreement in place. Gotze wouldn’t cost too much this summer as he is now entering the final year of his contract at Bayern and with a fee of around £20 million rumoured to be on the cards, I think that Gotze should certainly be a target for Arsenal. Given the prices that are flying around in today’s market, £20 million could be a decent buy for a young, talented and versatile player. It’s also worth mentioning that as Gotze is also looking to move on this summer, Arsenal should have little difficulty in trying to tempt the 24 year old away from the German giants.
I’m not suggesting in the slightest that Gotze is the answer to all our prayers and there are certainly much better and more experienced, conventional players available in those positions that Arsenal should have a punt at signing. However if Arsenal cannot move forward in their attempts to sign the likes of Morata or Mahrez, then I think they should at least show an interest in a player who is openly available, in the form of Mario Gotze.
By AH