Every man and his dog has been talking about the idea of Arsenal spending huge amounts on players over the summer.
But when a respected broadsheet gets in on the act, you know that there is bound to be some substance to it. We believe in the integrity of Britain’s best news outlets and they always avoid pulling stories out of thin air.
Accordingly The Telegraph stated on Thursday that Arsenal are, as the hype has been suggesting over the last few weeks, targeting the wonderful Chilean talents of Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez. They obviously have the inside track on this one. They say:
Arsenal planning Chile double swoop as Arsene Wenger targets Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez
Arsene Wenger is interested in bringing a second Chile international to Arsenal this summer, with midfielder Arturo Vidal on his list of targets as well as Alexis Sanchez.
An initial bid of around £22 million has already been made for Sanchez and, while Barcelona are likely to hold out for £30m and are in talks with Liverpool to include him in the proposed Luis Suarez transfer, Arsenal are hopeful that a deal can be done.
We have heard stories about an Arsenal bid for Sanchez but, until now, the Vidal story was largely based on Arsene Wenger stating his admiration for the player who was having a blinder at The World Cup. He said:
“Vidal is one of the best midfielders in the world.
“He has everything. Incredible stamina, perfect timing. He’s a marathon athlete who plays football.”
It’s hard to think of two better players for Arsenal this summer. We have banging on like a broken record about the need for two things at Arsenal – pace up front and steel in the middle.
Arsenal were very consistent last year – consistently good against the lesser sides and consistently bad against the big boys. But even with that poor record against the top 6 they only finished 7 points shy of Manchester City.
You would have to say that these two players are worth more than 7 points. Of course it’s more complicated than that but with Vidal toughening up that midfield at last, with his ferocious ball winning and tackling abilities ( not to mention his 28 goals in 95 league games for Juve), and driving the team on Arsenal will be an altogether different proposition.
And with the pace and adaptability of Sanchez Arsenal would eva mouth-watering prospect.
The Gunners are already a very good side. But if Arsene Wenger can overcome his seemingly innate sense of prudence on this occasion he could be laughing all the way to the league title next season.
Let’s see Vidal in action. Arsenal fans: final pieces of the jigsaw?
