After already spending $95 million on new players this summer, is Arsene Wenger set to splash the cash once again?
Reports from Spain suggest that Wenger is chasing Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and despite the forward stating he wishes to remain at PSG, Arsenal are set to make a bid believed to be in the region of $85 million. Wowza.
[RELATED: PL season previews]
Cavani, 27, has only been in the French capital for a season but was shunted out to the left wing as Zlatan Ibrahimovic played the lone forward role. The former Napoli man still managed to score 25 goals from the flank in all competitions for Les Parisiens but looked out of sorts for Uruguay at the World Cup this summer. His potential deal to the Emirates Stadium all hinges on Angel Di Maria’s reported move from Real Madrid to PSG, as Di Maria would take Cavani’s berth on the left wing of a three-man forward line and leave Cavani on the outside looking in.
Spanish journalist Kike Marin has set the rumor mill on fire after suggesting the Gunners are trying to push through a deal as PSG aim to cash in on Cavani to spend big on Di Maria. Ah, the old domino-effect.
So, do Arsenal need a new forward?
With Olivier Giroud as their lone targetman and youngster Yaya Sanogo backing him up, they do seem light in the central area after letting Nicklas Bendtner leave on a free. Alexis Sanchez has joined this summer for $55 million from Barcelona and can play out wide or as a second-striker. Sanchez’s pacey runs off of Cavani’s flick ons and their potential to develop a little and large partnership must have Wenger licking his lips in anticipation.
Of course Giroud isn’t a bad striker and despite a lean spell to end the season the French international bagged 22 goals in 51 games last campaign. Arsenal have options up top but if they have the chance to snap Cavani up and the funds are there for Wenger to spend, he must pounce.
Cavani, Mesut Ozil and Sanchez all in the same team… that would turn Arsenal from top four hopefuls to title contenders. No doubt.