Most Arsenal fans will expect Arsene Wenger to bring in a defender or two during the January transfer window, but The Professor does have a way of confounding expectations. Remember that time when he spent £42.4m on Mesut Ozil despite already having a strong midfield?
Could something similar happen this January? I certainly wouldn’t bet against it. Only a fool would try to second guess Arsene Wenger.
This brings me to The Metro‘s claim that Arsenal are considering making a move for Monaco’s £30m ace, Joao Moutinho. The midfield maestro has been linked with a move to the Premier League since his days at FC Porto. Could he finally be about to make the move this January?
It’s difficult to call really. The Metro suggests that Arsene Wenger views Moutinho as a replacement for Mikel Arteta, who’s getting on in years and is starting to offer diminishing returns. But aren’t there plenty of other midfielders in Arsenal’s squad who could fill this role? What about Jack Wilshere (who plays in the holding role for England) or even Aaron Ramsey (who needs to curb his attacking instincts for the good of the team)?
Still, there’s no doubting Joao Moutinho’s ability. There’s a reason he’s been linked with so many moves to so many top Premier League sides. He’s got great vision and passing ability, he’s comfortable on the ball and he always seems to be one step ahead of the opposition. And yet he’s currently playing his football in France, after a £21.5m move 18 months ago.
I’m sure he’s getting paid well at Monaco, but I wonder what he thinks of Ligue 1 in general? Does he really want to play out the rest of his career (he’s 28-years-old) facing off against this kind of competition? If Arsenal came knocking, surely he’d jump at the opportunity?
Arsenal simply need to decide how interested they are. I’d rather see Arsene Wenger target two (or three) top class defenders, but I’m sure he’s got some grand plan in mind. Let’s hope so any way.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal really be in the market for Joao Moutinho?
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