HERE’S a bit of transfer speculation from left field – or perhaps that should be from the centre of midfield.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be interested in signing Michael Carrick from Manchester United at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who has been forced to share duties at Old Trafford this campaign with summer signings Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin, is out of contract in June and as yet there is no sign of a new one being offered.
It would not be the first time Wenger has attempted to land the classy midfielder – in fact he has tried to land him on three previous occasions, initially losing out to Tottenham in 2004 when Carrick switched from West Ham, then missing out again when the Geordie signed for United two years later. He had a further bid rebuffed before Carrick signed a one-year contract extension with the Red Devils last year.
The Daily Mirror reports: “Arsene Wenger is ready to make a FOURTH attempt to sign Michael Carrick.
The Arsenal boss is set to carry out midfield overhaul in the summer with Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky unlikely to be offered new deals when their contracts expire.
Wenger remains a big fan of Carrick, is convinced he still has plenty to offer despite his age and is willing to try his luck again if Carrick leaves Old Trafford and fancies a new challenge in England.”
It would certainly appear a strange move given Carrick’s age and the fact he’s suffered a number of injuries over the past few years. His ability to pick a pass may still be up there with the best in the top-flight but that’s not an area Arsenal seem to be short in. At best Carrick would give them two seasons. Surely there are better options available that would provide a much more long-term future?
What do Gunners fan think? Would Carrick be a useful addition or would his wages be better spent elsewhere?
