Ahead of the January transfer window The Gunners are in a rather intriguing position. They’ve got a compelling looking attack, full of technique, pace and drive. Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain are all lightning quick. On their day, they’re a match for just about any Premier League defense.
Unfortunately, it’s The Gunners’ defense that continues to let them down. Without Laurent Koscielny alongside him, Per Mertesacker isn’t half as effective as he was last year. With players like Nacho Monreal and Calum Chambers playing in unfamiliar positions, Arsenal’s back-four is disjointed to say the least. It’s already cost them on a number of occasions this season.
So what are we to make of The Metro‘s claim that Arsenal have their eyes trained on Lazio forward Keita Balde Diao. Has Arsene Wenger got his priorities all wrong?
It’s hard to say really. If Arsenal were to only sign Keita during the January transfer window, they’ll have made a grave mistake. But if he’s one of two or three players who arrive at The Emirates in a few months time, then it’ll be difficult to complain.
As for the player himself. he’s only 19-years-old, but has already demonstrated an inordinate amount of talent. With his pace and intelligence he’s sure to fit right into this Arsenal forward line-up.
Last season he made 35 appearances for the Serie A side and found the back of the net 6 times. That’s not a great return for a forward (he plays down the left), but it does demonstrate the amount of trust that his club has in him. For a youngster to get that much game-time is rather impressive.
It’s thought that Keita would cost Arsenal £8m. Given how much The Gunners charge their season tickets holders they should have more than enough cash in the bank to sign the Senegalese ace and have enough spare to sign a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.
Let’s hope that this is what Arsene Wenger has planned.
What’s your take? How should The Professor spend his money in the January transfer window?
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