This French prodigy is set for a ‘great future’: should Arsenal move in?

I think it’s fair to say that it’s been a tough December for Arsenal. Whilst the fixtures have been coming thick and fast, the results haven’t followed. Critics of the club have been quick to suggest that the Gunners can’t cut it against the top teams and as such, aren’t ready to compete for the Premier League title.

Recent results against Manchester City (a 6-3 drubbing) and Chelsea (a dull 0-0 draw), suggest that the critics are right.

More than anything, this Arsenal team looks a little worn out. Whilst Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey fired the Gunners to victory in the earlier parts of the season, their impact has decreased as the months rolled-by.

Unfortunately, other individuals haven’t stepped up and taken the reins in their place. But in the case of Olivier Giroud, how could they? The Frenchman is Arsenal’s only recognised centre-forward. Yaya Sanogo is injured and too inexperienced. Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott are both wannabe strikers, but are better served down the flanks. That just leaves Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner. Strike that… Bendtner has no future at the club. That just leaves Olivier Giroud.

Signing another centre-forward is now a priority for the club. Will Arsene Wenger loosen the purse strings once again during the January transfer window?

There’s been a fair amount of speculation regarding Arsenal and Paul-Georges Ntep, a young French striker who’s currently playing for Auxerre. Ntep has already announced that he’s leaving the Ligue 2 club during the January transfer window and has turned down contract offers from Russia and Serie A (Source: The Metro). Could a move to the Emirates be on the cards?

Arsene Wenger’s recent comments will have certainly added fuel to the fire of speculation. Check them out: “Paul George Ntep has the potential to have a great future. It all depends on his mind, but he is a great prospect.”

The fact that Wenger has spoken so openly about the player is interesting. If he were to join the Gunners, the 21-year-old would certainly provide a welcome counter-balance to Olivier Giroud. Ntep is known for his pace and technical ability. He’s more likely to turn into Thierry Henry (a bit of wishful thinking never hurts, does it?) than Olly Giroud.

What’s more, signing Paul-Georges Ntep could be an attempt on the part of Arsene Wenger to hedge his bets. After all, surely either Ntep or Sanogo have to come good, right?

What’s your take? Would you be excited to see Arsenal move in for another French youngster?

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