Arsenal may be spoilt for choice when it comes to crafty number 10 type midfielders, but would it surprise anybody if Arsene Wenger were to bring in another one this summer? Sure, The Gunners most pressing need is to bring in a striker, but The Professor can’t seem to help himself when it comes to technically minded central midfielders.
This is why I was interested to see The Mirror report that Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Mario Gotze’s situation over at Bayern Munich. It makes perfect sense: Gotze is exactly the kind of player that Arsene Wenger likes to sign. He’s incredibly confident on the ball, moves it about quickly and is capable of the kind of killer pass that can part a defense and win a game.
Unlike many of Arsenal’s other midfielders, however, Gotze also provides a goal threat. He’s scored a remarkable 15 goals from the centre-of-the-park this season and his late runs into the box are a constant threat. Whilst players like Santi Cazorla and Tomas Rosicky tend to snap at shots, Gotze has the composure and the technique to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
Of course, the German youngster hasn’t been at Bayern Munich for too long. He joined Pep Guardiola’s side last summer as part of a £32m move. Since then he’s made just 29 starting appearances (that makes his goal tally even more impressive, doesn’t it?). It seems that he’s starting to get frustrated with his lack of action in big games. Check out these quotes from the player himself:
“Of course I am not happy (with first-team action). But I will continue to work hard and fight for a place in the first XI. I hope I am able to regain the trust of the manager and play regularly from the start.”
Now this isn’t exactly a ‘come get me’ plea to other clubs, but it does signify a potential willingness to consider other options if his current situation doesn’t right itself. This could provide The Gunners with a chance to slip in and snap him up.
He’s unlikely to cost any less than he did last summer, so he’d be another big money signing from The Gunners. But there’s little doubting that he’d provide value for money. Sure, he’d be a bit of a luxury signing, but it’s one that could pay dividends in the long run.
What’s your take? Should The Gunners attempt to sign Mario Gotze?
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we need someone on the end of these passes, we have enough players capable of making them