Can Arsenal afford to chase this £45m star?

Whilst the midfield is the strongest part of Arsenal’s current squad, The Gunners don’t offer too much cut-and-thrust down the wings. Arsene Wenger has spent the last half decade or so signing as many central-midfielders as possible and trying to fit them into his team.

This has resulted in talented play-makers like Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Tomas Rosicky being deployed down the flanks. Both Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have spent a decent amount of time down one of the wings. Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski are also played in this position, despite both wanting to play as a centre-forward.

It’s almost as though The Professor just uses this area of the pitch to fit in players that he can’t squeeze in elsewhere. Isn’t it about time that he brought in a custom-made winger? Somebody with experience carrying threat down the flanks, and the ability to elevate Arsenal’s attack even further?

This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that The Gunners are currently in the running for Real Madrid’s ‘assist king’, Angel Di Maria.

This strikes me as very exciting news indeed. The 44-time Argentine international has been at The Bernabeu since 2010 and has proved his credentials again and again. He’s a class act and could be exactly what Arsenal need at this stage in their evolution.

As it happens, the 26-year-old has just enjoyed his most effective season yet. He’s played 51 games for Madrid has scored 11 goals and chipped in with 22 assists. In fact, over the course of four seasons at The Bernabeu, he’s made 70 assists in total. Not bad, eh?

Unfortunately, The Mirror also suggest that The Gunners are getting priced out of the market. They claim that Angel Di Maria could cost £45m. That’s approximately £2.5m more than Arsenal spent on Mesut Ozil. Doesn’t seem possible does it?

If Madrid aren’t prepared to sell for less, then I’m sure that Arsene Wenger will steer well clear (as he should). But I’d certainly be tempted to make a speculative bid and offer Carlo Ancelotti a smaller sum for one of his key players. If he bites, then it’s a victory for The Gunners. If he doesn’t then so be it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What’s your take? Should Arsenal continue to chase Angel Di Maria? Have they been priced out of the market?

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