Victor Wanyama has reportedly been a long-term target of ours, but could finally be available for a switch to north London in the summer, according to The Telegraph.
The report suggests Southampton are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, but will sell him at the end of the season if they are unable to reach an agreement.
The Telegraph claim the Kenyan’s current deal expires in 2017, and the Saints are unwilling to let him enter the final year of his contract and risk losing him for nothing.
The £20m fee being touted is arguably a little steep for a player in the last year of his contract, and it’s hard to see Arsene Wenger being forced into paying so much. Wanyama is definitely a quality midfielder, but our manager is known for his refusal to pay over the odds for a player he doesn’t believe is worth it.
Add to that the fact that we’ve only just signed a player capable of playing the defensive midfield role, and this deal begins to seem more and more unlikely. If Mohamed Elneny hits the ground running at the Emirates then you have to believe we have enough quality in that area, with he and Francis Coquelin seeming more than capable of doing the job. Wanyama arguably wouldn’t get into the team, and we can’t be spending £20m on a player we’re not even sure we need.
Had we not signed Elneny then Wanyama would seem the perfect acquisition, as the powerhouse would add something we haven’t had in our midfield for quite some time. At the moment it looks like he’d be an unnecessary signing though, and Wenger doesn’t spend when he doesn’t have to.
SEE MORE:
Arsenal transfer news
The Telegraph’s report also claims Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen on reuniting with the 24-year-old, so maybe we should just let them have this one.
The post £20m Arsenal target will be available, if we still want him appeared first on All Arsenal News | The Latest Arsenal News, Transfer Rumours, Gossip & Team News | Arsenal FC.