Speculation regarding Arsenal and AC Milan’s talented young forward, Stephan El Shaarawy, has reached new levels thanks to a few throw away words from Milan vice-president Adriano Gallaini.
He recently told the Italian Press: “El Shaarawy? We never said he is not for sale?” (via The Mirror)
We can infer from this, that the club is willing to sell El Shaarawy if the right offer comes in. This, naturally, has opened the door for cash-rich Manchester City to make a move and may also have piqued Arsene Wenger’s interest.
I’m not surprised that these two clubs are hovering around this 20-year-old Italian forward. Despite his young age, he’s been a fantastic replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic at AC Milan. Those are difficult boots to fill, but he’s done a fantastic job.
He’s also versatile. Whilst he primarily plays as a left winger, he’s also handy in the centre of the park, whether he’s playing in the midfield, or as a striker. His ability in different areas of the pitch is likely to be particularly attractive to Arsene Wenger, who often moves his players about the pitch.
The thing that stands out most about El Shaarawy is his fantastic dribbling ability. Once he’s got the ball at his feet, it’s really difficult to get it back off him. His touch and control are excellent and once he’s turned on the after-burners, there’s no catching him. These qualities all combine to make him an extremely effective winger.
But his powerful shot and eye suggest his long-term future may be as a centre-forward. He scored 19 goals last season and looks to be getting better and better. There’s no telling just how good he’s going to get.
In other words, he’s a player who would significantly improve this Arsenal side. But I’m sure he’d come complete with an outrageous price-tag. Earlier this year, he signed an extension to his Milan contract that will tie him down to the club until 2018.
This puts Milan in a powerful position when it comes to negotiating. But Arsenal are suddenly flash with cash. The commercial deals are rolling in and the deadwood is rolling out (bye-bye Arshavin, Squallaci and Denilson!)
Despite his young age, he’s already proven his worth. So, wouldn’t somebody like El Shaarawy be a smart investment to make?
What’s your take? Should the Gunners’ look to pursue Stephan El Shaarawy?
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i worned milan baout selling Elsharawy he is feuture player he can march d level of ranaldo within few years, if milan sell him now they can regret, about arsenal realy wenger knows the talents Elsharawy will feat within a few months under wenger, and he will doubling his wage in 2 years