Arsene Wenger has identified Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama as his top summer target.
Wenger sees Wanyama as the perfect player to fill the defensive void that was left by Alex Song’s departure to Barcelona last summer. Arsenal have been efficient going forward this season, but lack a physical player to control the midfield and act as an enforcer for Wenger’s side.
Wanyama, a Kenyan international, has earned plaudits throughout Europe with his performances for Celtic this season and it looks likely that his Parkhead career is nearing an end. The 21-year-old has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks, and it now looks like Arsene Wenger has also entered the race for the talented Celt’s signature.
It is believed that Wanyama will be available for £12-15 million in the summer. Reports suggest that Arsene Wenger will be handed a £75 million transfer chest in the summer and Wanyama is at the top of ‘Le Professeur’s’ wishlist.
Wanyama’s physicality would compliment the more technical players in Wenger’s midfield and would also reduce Jack Wilshere’s defensive responsibilities. Wilshere was recently ruled out for three weeks with a bruised bone in his left foot and Arsene Wenger feels that he may have overplayed the tenacious youngster.
“Maybe I have overplayed him,” said Wenger. “We are in a position as well where you always need your best players.”
The arrival of Wanyama would no doubt benefit Wilshere’s long-term development and allow him to conserve his energy for exploits in the business end of the football pitch.
Arsenal play Bayern Munich in Germany on Tuesday night, as they look to overturn a 3-1 first leg loss.
