Whilst there’s been a great deal of chatter concerning Arsenal’s potential activity in the January transfer window, the truth is, much will depend on whether Theo Walcott decides that the time is right to move on.
The young winger/striker adds versatility, pace and finishing ability to Arsenal’s forward line. He will be missed if he leaves and will certainly need to be replaced.
Should he move on, the rumours concerning Arda Turan and the Gunners may start to gather an air of verisimilitude. Mercato 365 (via InsideFutbol) claim that Arsene Wenger has identified the Atletico Madrid winger as a transfer target, to be snapped up at some stage over the next year.
Speaking earlier this year, Turan’s agent flagged up his desire for a move: “Arda wants to play for another club. He wants a new experience and we are working hard to make it happen. Atletico know our intentions”. (Source: InsideFutbol).
The writing looks more or less on the wall in that regard, but whether he’ll end up at Arsenal is another matter entirely.
The Turkish talent has pace, technical ability and goal threat. He’s a dynamic force that would add something to almost every side in Europe.
But do Arsenal really need another winger? Against Reading, both Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (who recently signed a new contract, hurrah!) and Lukas Podolski were excellent down the left and right wings respectively. Both have excellent acceleration, decent enough crossing ability, and the nous to make things happen. It gives you hope for the future of this team.
Then there’s Gervinho. Yes, I know that he’s looked dreadful at times this season. But he’s not a striker. He can’t handle that responsibility. When he’s placed out wide, pumped full of confidence and told to beat his man, he can be a real force. I think he’s a decent enough option to have on the bench.
Finally there’s Theo Walcott, who at this point is still an Arsenal player. If he remains, it strikes me that the Gunners wont really need another winger. It’s an area in which they look to have some strength in depth (unlike in the striker position).
So, whilst Turan is a good option, should things not go Arsenal’s way in the transfer market, he’s hardly an essential one. Let’s hope that Wengers got his priorities right!
What’s your take? Would Ardan Turan be a smart addition for Arsenal?
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Podolski isn’t a good enough winger,more of a cf,gervinho is good technically but doesn’t have the decisiveness to be an excellent winger…turan has football brains and the technique for arsenal,but if theo leaves it would be a good replacement on the wing,but we still need a left back,defensive midfielder and a striker…more work to be done at arsenal