Arsenal: Mikel Arteta keen to sign versatile forward likened to Kaka
By Kian Long
Arsenal are active in the transfer window already.
I understand, Arsenal fans. The World Cup break seems to have dragged on for too long now, and with the return of Premier League football soon to get back, it will be exciting to see how Mikel Arteta responds to his critics in the second half of the season.
Sitting five points clear at the top of the table, life is good for Arsenal fans. But Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury while representing Brazil in the FIFA World Cup – this gives Arteta plenty to think about.
Many people are suggesting the Gunners turn to the transfer window to bring in a replacement but it is not in Arteta’s nature to panic buy. With this being said, any player which comes in January must fit into the Emirates Stadium philosophy, which has been a winning one this season.
According to a report from Sport Witness, Arsenal are being linked with a move for Roma’s 23-year-old attacker Nicolo Zaniolo. Zaniolo is expected to be the next big thing, having already played some terrific football in Italy under Jose Mourinho.
Zaniolo is a player who is difficult to pinpoint to just one position, but this works in Arsenal’s favour. He can play as a midfielder, as a winger or even as a striker. This is the calibre of player we are dealing with here.
What is even better for Arsenal too, is he won’t be expensive. With his contract running out next summer (2024), he is not looking to sign an extension with Roma. A bargain could well be on the cards for Mikel Arteta.
Given his immense ball-playing style, the Roma superstar has been likened to Kaka. Of course, he is not at this level of his career, but this level of comparison will certainly be a confidence boost for both him and Arteta, should he wish to sign.
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Do you think Arsenal should sign Zaniolo in January?