Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have a big fight in their hands to reach the top-4 in the Premier League, come the end of the season. They are yet to find some consistency and the manager is already looking to add to his arsenal in the upcoming transfer market, to help his side get through the business end of the season.
There are a few positions in the squad that Wenger wants to improve on but in a surprising claim, the Gunners are now favourites to sign Manchester United shot-stopper Sergio Romero.
The Argentine international has struggled to get any game time at Old Trafford this season, with Spanish shot-stopper David de Gea, blocking his path to the first-team. Romero is the first choice goal-keeper for his national side and is reportedly looking to quit Manchester United in search of a first-team spot, which makes this story, all the more bizarre.
The 30-year old has made just two four starts, all in cup competitions. He is yet to play a league game for the Red Devils this season and it does not come as a surprise that he wants to end his days at the club in January. However, his chances are not going to get any better at the Emirates.
Wenger has preferred veteran Petr Cech on goal, who has been in decent form this season. David Ospina is his backup for the cup competitions while Matt Macey, the 23-year old, also got his chances, due to injuries.
Ospina, the second choice shot-stopper for Arsenal has made just 4 starts, all in the Europa League and is himself struggling for game time. So it makes very little sense for Romero to quit Old Trafford and move to the Emirates.
However, Ladbrokes rate Arsenal 9/4 favourites to sign the Argentine with Italian club Sampdoria and Spanish club Villarreal, also on the list. So why are the Gunners even mentioned?
At 30, Romero is still in his prime and as mentioned earlier, the first choice for the Argentine national team. He has been in confident with his displays in almost every game he has played at Old Trafford and though he will surely enjoy the success, he needs to think about his time on the pitch, not just for the rest of the season but also in the future.
Here is where Arsenal jump in.
The Gunners may not be able to provide Romero a starting spot this season but after the end of the season, they have to make a decision on the future of the 35-year old Petr Cech and if he can still be their first choice for the next season.
Romero could be his successor, as his experience and quality will allow Arsenal to scout for a young talent who can then take over Romero, in a few years. But do you think this is the right approach from the Gunners?
