Wenger lines up Carrick as Man United contract winds down
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Arsene Wenger is always under scrutiny for his transfer dealings, so it will be interesting to see what the Emirates faithful make of him trying to lure Michael Carrick away from Manchester United.
The Arsenal boss has made moves to sign the Englishman in the past, though none have come off, but with the midfielder’s contract winding down this summer, Wenger may get his man for free.
As Tomas Rosicky looks to the exit door at Arsenal and Mikel Arteta continues to be blighted with injuries (15 Premier League games in the last two seasons) Carrick would provide Wenger with some cover without laying out several million.
The Geordie is actually older than Arteta, turning 35 this summer, but with pace never having been part of his repertoire, his excellent reading and passing ability should see him become a useful member of Wenger’s squad.
Going against the general perception of injuries dogging Carrick’s career, the Wallsend man made over 40 appearances in each of his first eight seasons at Old Trafford, and has played in over half of United’s games this term.
Carrick is reportedly keen on a move back down south too, having spent two years in north London with Tottenham and five over at West Ham.
The midfielder is 7/4 to make Arsenal his next club, while a move back to the north-east to Newcastle is 3/1, as is a return to West Ham.
With Rosicky, Arteta and Mathieu Flamini all likely to depart Arsenal this summer, Carrick would give Wenger some peace of mind as he seeks his main target, Southampton’s Victor Wanyama.
The Saints want at least £25m for their midfield man however, and we can expect this saga to run on long into the summer.
This weekend sees Arsenal continue their search for a third successive FA Cup when they meet Hull in a repeat of the 2014 final at the Emirates.
The Premier League side are 4/7 for a win which would see them into the last eight, while Steve Bruce’s Tigers are 5/1 to cause a banana skin.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
