Arsenal have one of the most complete and sufficient attacking options in the Premier League at the moment. With Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez in fierce form, Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck raring to go, getting a new option up front should not be a concern for Arsene Wenger at all.
But as has been the case with Arsenal, they have often been found offloading their star players in the past few seasons when they were going through a financial crunch. Now, although the crisis is over, Arsenal still seem reluctant to raise the wages of their star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
With Sanchez on fire now, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League and being directly involved in 25 of their goals, the Chilean has every right to stall contract talks if negotiations don’t progress on his terms. And given the traditionalist, Arsene Wenger is, he is sticking to his code of players not getting paid more than the manager.
This rift has caused a lot of controversies and questioning in the Arsenal camp and among fans. As per Italian news agency El Mundo Deportivo, Wenger has already locked his next target in case Sanchez leaves the club. And that player is young AC Milan sensation M’Baye Niang.
Niang was in sublime form last year before his playing time was thwarted by an injury. Reportedly, Wenger is a huge admirer of the player and the 21-year-old has fallen out of favour in Italy after his inconsistency this season. Coach Vincenzo Montella, who has already made it understood that Niang isn’t indispensable, playing Jack Bonaventura on the wing, won’t hesitate on disposing of him if the right offer comes.
Niang has been unstable in his scoring touch now, whether it’s because of his recent car accident or fears that the immature streak will return. But, Wenger could be the right person to nurture the young talent into a great striker as he has previously done.
Although Niang hasn’t scored since mid-October, and his performances have mostly been below-par since then, his abilities are unquestioned. He came into the spotlight for his blazing dribbling skills and he could be a huge asset if and when he gets back his form. He has a total of three Serie A goals this season and has also provided two assists.
At 184cm, the Senegal international could also be a decent aerial threat in the air and has a deadly left foot. Reportedly, Milan were ready to make a €20m offer for Lazio’s Keita Balde, with the long-term ambition of replacing Niang, and Arsenal shouldn’t miss the opportunity to get their hands on him.
