Here’s a rumour that I never saw coming: according to The Metro, The Gunners are ‘lining up a deal’ for one of Everton’s key men, James McCarthy. This begs the question: why?
It’s not easy to understand why Arsene Wenger would pursue yet another player who excels with the ball at his feet. Don’t The Gunners already have access to enough players of this ilk? When everybody’s fit, it’s impossible to fit them all into this team.
But that’s exactly the point: there’s never a time when everybody is fit. in fact, given the way that Arsenal go about their football (drawing tackles at every instance, being careless in possession, etc), there probably never will be a time when everybody’s free from injury. Not whilst Abou Diaby is still around any way.
Let’s not forget that both Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta both picked up long-term injuries recently. With Mesut Ozil also sidelined and Aaron Ramsey struggling to find his form, this looks like an area that really does need strengthening during the January transfer window. It’s not like Tomas Rosicky is going to hang around for too long as things currently stand, is it?
The Metro claims that McCarthy could act as a replacement for Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. I’d argue that the Spaniard has a few more years left in him, but I wouldn’t be too sad to see Arsenal and Flamini part ways. The Frenchman tends to let games pass him by, which is something that McCarthy wouldn’t be guilty of.
I doubt that he’d be a first choice option at The Emirates, but given time, I’m sure he’d come to play an important role for the club. He’s a hard-worker who’s able to back up his diligence with sheer ability and talent. With some of the aging legs currently playing for Arsenal, I’d argue that he’d actually be a good fit.
The aforementioned source claims that it wouldn’t take a ‘huge’ big to seal a deal, so let’s hope that Arsene Wenger tries the waters this January. It would be a surprise, but not an unpleasant one.
What’s your take? Is James McCarthy right for The Gunners?
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Arsenal having a cat in hells chance in buying McCarthy,the article claimed Arsenal would make a bid of £16m, I know you start low but why would Everton even entertain a bid so small? He’s been Everton’s best player this season and that’s bid would be a mere £3m more than what Everton paid. Yet another nonsense piece from the metro.
Although you quote the Metro as source I read it in the Express.This was under the tag line of their Liverpool loving reporter who just always seems to have the scoop on want away Everton stars who then turn out to be on long contracts and are more likely to relocate to the moon.Mr Richardson,take a bow.
McCarthy is an excellent player, hard worker, great tackler, stamina, good distribution, great attitude an ideal fit for Arsenal.