how to tell if arsenal really are interested in a player
kojodinho - talkingOfArsenal.com
in transfers, arsene knows, youth
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2 Comments
When I read about rumours linking players to Arsenal that repeatedly keep coming up, I find myself checking out the player against a number of criteria.
If the player passes this criteria, then I consider the rumour a possibility. If the player fails the criteria, then I'm fairly certain that Wenger will not be signing the player.
These attributes are quite straightforward - as Arsenal fans, we know them all, and know them well.
Firstly, is the player multi-positional?
Wenger prefers players who can double up in other positions, for those situations where injuries can dictate formation and/or first eleven.
Secondly, how old is the player? Have they still got a long playing career ahead of them?
Thirdly, how much will the player cost? Are they over-priced, or are they currently unknown and/or flying under the radar of other clubs?
Fourthly, how much cover do Arsenal already have in that position?
Would the age or seniority of the potential signing deem a place on the bench as appropriate, or will it cause a selection problem for Wenger with possibly too many players for that one position?
Finally, how disciplined is the player?
Do they have the right attitude towards their profession? Are they to be found partying late nights, drinking and generally being a nuisance?
If a player falls foul of any of the above, then in my opinion it is unlikely that they will be signed by Wenger.
If a player passes all the criteria, and the rumours keep on being repeated, then there's half a chance that they just might be signed.
I would be interested to know you can think of additional criteria that Le Boss might consider, or if you have other ideas of how to tell the difference between genuine Arsenal interest in a player, and tabloids simply stirring things up.
With the end of Euro 2008 in sight, here's to hoping that there's positive news on the transfer front sooner, rather than later!
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Reader Comments (2)
Your criteria are accurate and here are a few more that I am sure Wenger & Co. apply:
1) Is the player available and keen on Arsenal?
2) Is the player capable of adapting to EPL football and the Arsenal style of play?
3) Is the player's attitude team oriented or is he another inflated ego among thousands in World Football?
4) It seems to help if they are French,Spanish or English but African talent is also an Arsenal plus.
5) Will the player, regardless of his international stature, accept warming the bench in order to earn his place in the first team?
6) Is his physical and mental fitness sufficient to avoid serious injury/stress absences over the EPL season?
I would bet a month's salary that Wenger & Co. do their homework so thoroughly that thy have more criteria than we can shake a stick at.
another criteria that i heard the boss talk about is constancy.