Whilst Arsenal fans are desperate to see their club pursuing top talent and attracting marquee names, Arsene Wenger seems to have other ideas.
Top four challengers like Liverpool and Tottenham have made smart additions this summer, whilst Arsenal remain in stasis. Manchester City have made some fantastic additions and are sure to come back much stronger next season. Chelsea have been relatively quiet, but they’ve still brought in players like Andre Schurrle.
Only Manchester United match Arsenal in sluggishness when it comes to the transfer market. But the Red Devils can boast a title winning side with one of the best attacking line-ups in world football. Arsenal on the other hand just about scrapped fourth place last season.
The need for signings is there and, if you believe the reports and the sound-bites that are constantly being rolled out by the Gunner’s top brass, the money is there too.
With that in the backdrop, here we are once again talking about Arsenal being linked with yet another wonder-kid.
The Gunners have already signed 20-year-old striker Yaya Sanogo and are now on the hunt for 21-year-old midfielder, Omar Abdulrahman (his full name is Omar Abdul Rahman Ahmed Al Raaki Al Amoodi, if you’d prefer).
Despite playing outside of Europe (in the UAE Pro League), the youngster has won plenty of plaudits. ESPN voted him number one in the ‘Top Ten Asian Players of 2012’. He’s also been listed by FIFA as one of the most promising stars in Asia. It’s also worth noting that Omar spent two weeks on trial with Manchester City, who decided not to offer him a contract.
It’s difficult to see why they turned him down. In 31 appearances last season, the 21-year-old grabbed 8 goals and 16 assists. That’s an absolutely fantastic return for somebody at the beginning of their career.
Arsenal’s interest is clear. According to Al Ain’s chairman, Rashid bin Mubarak Al Hajri, there are a few clubs hovering around the youngster:
“Have we had an offer from Arsenal for him to come to train? Yes. We’ve also had offers from Spanish teams, and other teams also, but the player will decide ultimately.
We [have received] a lot of offers for Omar. If he finds the right environment, then we will be very supportive. It’s a package that will have to be right, where he can improve his football. I’ll leave that for Omar – that’s for him to decide.” (Source: The Star)
One of the Spanish clubs is believed to be Barcelona, whilst Schalke are also thought to be interested, so the Gunners are in fine company. What’s more, their history with developing young players, Arsenal should provide a draw for Abdulrahman.
Given the youngster’s potential, he’d be a fine signing for Arsene Wenger. He could develop into a very special talent indeed.
Whilst this doesn’t change the fact that Arsenal need to bring in some world-class talent, judged by it’s own merits, it’s a good move.
Still, Arsenal’s season won’t be judged by signings like this. Let’s hope Arsene Wenger is ready to pull something slightly more impressive out of the bag.
What’s your take? Would you be excited to see Omar Abdulrahman join the Gunners?
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AW is trying to do the things that have already failed,build a young team that will win everything for years ,wont happen
Manchester City did not turn down Abdulrahman after his trial, the reason he didn’t sign was City couldn’t get a work permit for him. It was reported that he did very well in his trial. As the UAE are ranked outside FIFA’s top 75, it will be surprising if Arsenal secure a work permit.
Wenger is not serious at all
If you have to ask then you know nothing about football and should stop writing about it. fml.