Has Wenger learnt his lesson? Arsenal readying bid for striker
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had the chance to sign former Napoli and Real Madrid ace Gonzalo Higuain last summer for roughly £75m. Unfortunately for fans, the Frenchman deemed that valuation too high and opted against overseeing a deal.
Juventus, on the other hand, were prepared to take that financial risk. 32 goals later, with the Italian outfit having one foot in the Champions League final and closing in on another Serie A title – it’s fair to say that decision to break the bank has paid off for them.
The Gunners are now struggling to break into the top four in the Premier League, they crashed out of the Champions League at the Last 16 stage and they’re outsiders to win the Emirates FA Cup.
Suffice to say supporters must be left wondering what might have been had Higuain signed last year.
But fear not, Gooners, for if the latest rumours and odds are to be believed, it looks as though Wenger has learnt from his mistakes.
Despite not being in the running for Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe’s signature in recent months, Arsenal have re-entered the market as 5/2 second-favourites to snap the 18-year-old up in a deal thought to be worth close to £80m.
Regardless of whether or not Mbappe signs, this Arsenal side needs shaking up.
That doesn’t just mean players need to be purchased – it also means plenty have to leave.
Nine of Wenger’s first-team players have featured in less than 15 top-flight games so far this season. There are some big names in that list too – names which come with big salaries, and names that would likely generate a decent price tag.
Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Debuchy, Carl Jenkinson and Mohamed Elneny are four perfect examples. Reliable back-ups? Maybe. Premier League winners? Far from it.
But this is about making a statement, too.
Let’s assume the Gunners finish outside of the Champions League spots. How do they convince the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to extend their contracts? What’s in it for them?
Breaking the bank to bring in a player of Mbappe’s quality and potential would certainly be a step in the right direction.
What do fans think? Should Wenger go all out to land a player dubbed the ‘new Thierry Henry’?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
