When a lot of Arsenal transfer rumours were linking us with a move for the AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, in the early stages of the World Cup finals, most Arsenal fans were not that keen. Even though the striker had played well for Italy and put England to the sword, it was the attitude and off field baggage that put us off. And then Wenger said outright that it was not happening, so all was forgotten.
Until near the end of the transfer window, that is, once Olivier Giroud had been ruled out for about three months. Then Liverpool snapped up Mario while Arsenal signed Welbeck. All of a sudden, many Arsenal fans forgot about the reasons for not wanting the fiery Italian and focused instead on his ability to get goals.
The comparisons really started flying when our new centre forward missed chances in Dortmund while Mario took his chance against Ludogorets. The TV pundits were full of it and seemed delighted to tell us that Welbeck was not a natural finisher and would not be the player Arsenal needed.
Fast forward two weeks and the tables have quickly turned. That snatched goal against the minnows from Bulgaria, while Danny has got four in five games. And when you add the goals to his all-round contribution to the Arsenal cause, including an assist for Ozil’s goal at Aston Villa, Wenger’s decision is looking better all the time.
Then there are the two personalities to consider, with the new Gunner settling in like a long lost family member and showing humility and a willingness to learn and work hard. Balotelli, on the other hand, is beginning to show his petulant side, according to a report in The Mirror, offering little to the team, nearly getting sent off and failing to acknowledge the away fans as Liverpool slumped to a defeat in Basel.
So who still thinks that Balotelli would have been a better transfer for Arsenal?