In the last few days there has been some chatter regarding AC Milan striker M’Baye Niyang being targeted by Arsenal. On 19th October Calciomercato web published a report where it mentioned that Arsene Wenger would attempt to make a bid for the striker in the January transfer window. Niang has been in fine form for his club AC Milan this season scoring 3 goals and assisting 2 from his 7 games so far.
Niang, who is an attacking midfielder/winger capable of playing on both the wings, made his name while at Caen, where he joined in 2007 as a youth player. After scoring a hattrick in his trial, the club took him and was quick to feature him with the u-19 side while he was still 15. It was in the 2010/11 season that the attacker grabbed the attention with his 3 goals from 7 appearances, out of which 3 were as a sub, shortly after signing his first professional contract. The next season, he made another 23 appearances and before the start of 2012/13 season, he went on a trial at Arsenal and Everton. The moves did not happen and after a few days, he signed with AC Milan on a three year contract.
Arsene Wenger has been a fan of the player since 2012 and has seen the potential in him when he tried to sign him. Speaking to Gazetta dello Sport, the player remarked, ‘The Premier League could’ve been the right football for me and I hope one day it will be. Playing there is my dream as it suits my style of play. I could’ve been there twice already. The first was when I chose Milan, even if Caen had already accepted offers from Arsenal and Everton (in 2012). The second was in January, two or three days before the derby (with Inter Milan). My agent called and said Leicester had made an offer to Milan, but the club didn’t want me to go.’
However, despite having a long conversation with the gaffer himself in his office, the player was disappointed not to have made the move as the two clubs couldn’t reach an agreement for which the move fell through. If Wenger decides to move for the 21 year old for the second time in January, then it will cost Arsenal around £31m, which at the moment seems like a bit too much for the Frenchman’s liking. Even though, Niang is at an age where he can be a long term prospect, he is far from the finished article and there are doubts as to how he can fare in the role of a striker currently if he comes to the Premier League. At this moment, there is a great balance in the Arsenal squad and after a long time there is also a certain depth as well. The Gunners do have the likes of Giroud and Welbeck, who are injured at the moment but will be available shortly, ready to challenge for their place in the team. The rise of Iwobi has also somewhat saturated the spot in the wings while with the signing of Lucas Perez, there is an availability of another versatile quality forward who can also be deputised on the wings. Thus at the moment the move for Niang looks a bit unlikely.
