World Cup Watch: Three players that could catch Arsenal’s eye
Published:Club scouts always have their eyes peeled wider than a student on an all-night cramming session before an exam during the World Cup, eager to try and land the next untapped gem based on a few good games for his country in front of the world’s gaze.
Never shy of a transfer or two, the Premier League’s talent spotters are sure to be among the hardest at work so, starting with Arsenal, we kick-off a regular series to help lighten their load come tournament time:
Daryl Janmaat – Holland – Right back
By the time one lucky nation has wrapped their fingers round the World Cup trophy and hoisted it aloft, Arsenal could have forgotten all about Bacary Sagna’s attempts to hold them to ransom over a new contract.
24-year-old Feyenoord defender Janmaat could be the person to banish those memories as he’ll likely be the starting full-back for Louis van Gaal’s inexperienced defence.
Janmaat – who is 12/5 to win Group B with his teammates – has had contract negotiation struggles with Feyenoord recently and could be available at a knock down price as a result.
Giovanni Sio – Ivory Coast – Striker
While the Gunners are linked to a host of big-name strikers, it’s still highly possible that Wenger plumps for a lesser-name to join Yaya Sanogo as Olivier Giroud’s understudy.
All the pieces would then fit for Sio, a French-born 25-year-old front man for Basel, who has fired nine goals for the Swiss side in 22 appearances this season.
He’d have to overthrow Didier Drogba and Wifried Bony, amongst others, from The Elephants’ front line first though.
Mathew Ryan – Australia – Goalkeeper
A keeper from a weaker international side is far more likely to enjoy a break out World Cup and, with Spain, Holland and Chile in their group, any Wallabies stopper is likely to be busy.
Club Brugge’s Ryan has started the last two Australian games and could well fill Lukas Fabianski’s gloves as Gunners number two should he keep the trio of Group B sharks at bay.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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