Saturday, November 17, 2007

Arsenal Rumors: Adriano and Agbonlahor

Despite having scored the most goals of any team in the Premiership so far this season, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger seems to be in hot pursuit of another striker or two.

21 year-old Congo striker Tresor Mputu is currently on trial with the Gunners, and Wenger looks set upon recalling teenage striking sensation Carlos Vela from his loan at Osasuna now that work permit restrictions have been worked out. Adding these two to an already impressive forward contingent of Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor, Eduardo, Theo Walcott, and Nicklas Bendtner would form quite an impressive front line. But Arsene Wenger wants more.

New rumors state that the Arsenal coach may look to sign out of favor Inter Milan striker Adriano on loan in January. The 25 year-old has only started four games for the Italian champions this season, and his club will be looking to escape paying his high wages by sending him out on loan.

I doubt the move will materialize though, especially considering that Wenger rejected a similar move in the summer.

At that point in time Wenger told reporters: "He [Adriano] is not needed. I was not out there [in the market] to take a striker on loan."

The next rumor could be more plausible though.

Arsenal could be looking to sign 21 year-old Gabriel Agbonlahor from Aston Villa. The move would be good for Arsenal's image with the British media, as the young striker is one of England's top prospects. Agbonlahor scored 9 league goals last season and looks like he will score many more this time around, already having scored five in his first twelve league games.

The England U21 player would be great as an impact substitute, or even starting alongside Robin van Persie. However, he would be tough to pry away from Aston Villa, who are currently trying to break in to the top-four cartel.

The striker would cost a reported
£15 million, which I think would be a fair price for such a great talent.

Arsene Wenger always surprises in the transfer window though, and he's already stated that he only wants to strengthen one position in January, so we'll see what actually happens then.