One issue which continues to prove a thorn in Arsene Wenger’s side is his team’s apparent defensive frailties. With the goalkeeping situation at the Emirates well documented, and no end in sight to Thomas Vermaelen’s injury saga, the Arsenal boss is almost certain to look for new recruits in January.
It is rumoured that Arsene has his sights set on young Mamadou Sakho.
Nobody knows the French transfer market better than Wenger, and Arsenal fans can be confident that if Arsenal do make a move for the highly-rated youngster, whatever the financial outlay is will be money well spent. In fact, the hitherto unknown centre back is already showcasing his talents on the world stage, coming on for Philippe Mexes (another player rumoured to be on Arsene’s radar) during France’s humbling of England at Wembley last week.
However, unfortunately for Arsene, Sakho established his credentials just a little too openly, and a little too well, which has brought him to the attention of Arsenal’s rivals.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is now determined to make Sakho his first signing of the January transfer window, and has even been quoted by Football Press as lauding the player’s performance at Wembley, saying that he has “fancied” him ever since.
No figure has mentioned as of yet, but a bidding war between these two clubs is unlikely; Wenger will never pay over the odds for any player, and Liverpool’s new owners have already stated that although the funds will be made available, the club’s fortunes will not be revived merely by throwing money around.
So it may simply come down to which of the two sides will hold greater appeal for a young Frenchman…
