I have just been reading about Mesut Ozil’s tantrum after the German star was chosen to have a drug test after Arsenal’s depressing defeat by neighbours Tottenham. One thing for sure, we know it wasn’t ‘speed’ they were looking for!
Ozil was slammed for ‘going missing’ in the North London Derby, and it would appear right now that there are not too many Gooners that will be upset when the midfielder leaves Arsenal this summer after a string of non-appearances, but the report, by the Mirror’s John Cross, seems to be convinced that Arsene Wenger will definitely be staying on for another two years.
The report said: Gunners boss Wenger is expected to sign a new two year deal with club insiders convinced the 67-year-old Frenchman will stay at the Emirates to try and rebuild the club.
They are targeting big summer deals with Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette and Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk top of their list.
I don’t see how either of those players could replace Ozil, but surely we could just put The Ox in his place and at least we will see some movement from his position. But what do you think about these so-called ‘top targets’ of Wenger? Van Dijk has been getting some rave reviews and could now cost a fortune but I seem to remember Wenger being interested in him when he left Celtic a couple of years ago, when Wenger thought that £10 million was overpriced for the Dutchman. He eventually went to Southampton for £13 million and the rest, as they say, is history!
It would be ironic if Wenger really paid over treble that price this summer…
Lacazette is another that has been linked with Arsenal for some time, and lately the Gunners have been rumoured to be his most likely destination this summer, but just a couple of weeks ago the prolific striker said: “Will this be my last few months at Lyon? It depends which teams will be on offer to me,”
“I am prepared to leave, but only to make a significant leap forward.
“Otherwise, nothing will happen.”
So, the question has to be asked; Is Arsenal a step up from Lyon? The French side are in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and Arsenal will probably be playing in that competition next season. That is hardly a big attraction is it?
So, I don’t think either of these two will actually come to Arsenal, but if they did would you be happy for Wenger to stay?