Is Mkhitaryan a target for Arsenal this summer?
Over the course of the summer Arsenal are always linked with so many players that it actually seems we are targeting more players than there are days in the actual transfer window and this year seems no different.
But with every piece of speculation it is always good to get a debate going, to find out the fan’s opinion on the players we are linked with. Today’s subject piece is on Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who according to various sources including the Daily Express is interested in a move to the Premier League. It is assumed that Mkhitaryan has rejected a new contract offer from his current club and is looking to test himself in England. Arsenal are not the only suitors however, as apparently London rivals Chelsea are also keen on the 27 year old. Although Mkhitaryan only has a year left on his deal, i expect that Dortmund will still command a reasonably high fee for their attacking star, as the previous case of Robert Lewandowski proved. It seems the German club would rather a player run down their contract in hope of a late commitment, rather than to sell for a cheap fee. Therefore unless a big money offer comes in for midfielder Mkhitaryan, I can’t see him moving on this summer.
It is believed that Arsenal have an advantage in the race for the player, as Chelsea do not have any European football next season, a factor which surely is going to affect any decision from Mkhitaryan. However do Arsenal really need the Dortmund star?
Arsenal seemed to be crammed full with midfielders at the moment and competition in the middle is going to be tough next season when everyone is fit. Predominately Mkhitaryan plays in the centre attacking midfield position and whilst I cannot see Ozil being displaced, there is a chance the Dortmund player could be effective out wide on the Arsenal right flank. The right side position is not nailed down just yet and Wenger could consider a player for this position in the market. The position has been rotated all season and has seen the likes of Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain, Iwobi, Campbell and even Wilshere and Ramsey playing out on the wing. Mkhitaryan could nail that place down in the team, however is he really what we need?
Personally he does offer Arsenal something different to what we usually have on the right wing, however I can’t see the transfer happening. Firstly I don’t think Wenger is interested in buying another midfielder this summer, despite Rosicky, Arteta and possibly Flamini all leaving. This could change however if we see further departures in midfield. I could see him being a massive upgrade on Walcott if he moves on to West Ham.
Secondly, as mentioned, Dortmund don’t roll over for cheap deals and they will hold out for a reasonable price on Mkhitaryan despite his decision to reject their latest contract offer as he approaches his final year.
Should Arsenal consider signing Mkhitaryan this summer?
BY AH
No, no, no NO. No more attacking mids ! The priority is a goalscoring forward and DM ! We already have Iwobi, Ozil, Wilshere and Ramsey that like to attack in midfield.
Mkhitaryan is actually played on the right wing more than anything else in dortmund, so all this nonsense about attacking midfielder is a bit wrong. I would love to get Mkhitaryan at arsenal, but I really don’t believe he’s moving anywhere anytime soon.
Right wing let’s see, Ramsey, Campbell and Walcott. See ? We have enough players playing his position. We need a FORWARD not an attacking mid !
You think any of those 3 as a right winger are good enough for first choice?
No they aren’t but we brought in Sanchez and it still wasn’t enough to solve our goal scoring problems. You should realize what we need is a forward who can spear the attack not another midfielder or winger whose job is to support poor inconsistent forwards.
Mkhitaryan is the best player in Germany we would be stupid not to go for him
Yes Sign him,dont look at quantiy but quality,we are very injury prone,those Jack and Ramsey you mentioned may even come injured frm Euro!
Arsenal may not “need” another attacking midfielder but Wenger loves them so Mkhitaryan could be a player Wenger would consider.
From this Arsenal squad how many players do you see scoring and assisting then the Armenian. Considering his attributes and qualities it suits Arsenal where the team can actually have Sanchez on one side and Henrik on the other. If the club has the quality of swift decision making he would be already be on the plane. Arsene Wenger last season made another blunder of trusting Giroud and Walcott for transfers which backfired.
Yeah, two wingers and a poor striker ? It should be obvious by now that whoever we have in midfield will NOT solve our inability to score goals.
Dude’s price tag is 60 mil…So not worth it.
What? Doesn’t make sense at all. One year contract left and Dortmund tagged him 60M? None of clubs will buy him that much. Funny thing about Dortmund transfer policy was, they willing to let player gone to big rival (Muenchen) for free (during expired contract situation) instead of sold him at reasonable price to align clubs. Robert Lewandowski that’s the name. Dortmund’s negotiator must be proud of themselves, hahaha…
Lewandowski only wanted Bayern. Dortmund would not sell to a rival even when there was only one year left on his contract.
How many times has Wenger been criticised on this site for selling RVP to Manu. Same situation, RVP wanted Manu, one year left on contract.
Mkhitaryan is fast, explosive and extremely skillful…..he is very similar to hazard in style of play… I am envisaging a situation where we can have Sanchez, mkhit, abuyamang or wellbz as an attacking trio……. nice setup it will be
Does Mkhitaryan play midfield or on the wings or both? Anyway it does not matter, our priority has to be a striker. Currently we have giroud, an out of form walcott (if he is a striker) and a long term injures welbeck. On reflection we probably need two more good strikers or a WC one.
Then there is the defense, no cover for Coquelin, kos getting more injuries etc.
So I cannot see our priority being another attacking midfielder/winger.
Sell Theo and get MKH. Sell Cazorla and get Xhaka. Get Lacazette. Sell Mertesacker and get Howedes. I would love Arsenal to target 4 players.