Arsenal Rumours: Wenger lining up French starlet

Arsene Wenger and his France-based scout Gilles Grimandi has reportedly met with the representatives of Auxerre forward Yaya Sanogo, with the starlet’s contract set to expire in the summer.

The 20-year-old who plays for France’s U21 side has been in hot form this season, making headlines in his homeland last month with four goals against Laval, before bagging a hat-trick against Tours seven days later.

The Ligue 2 striker makes for an attractive and believable signing for Arsene Wenger as his contract expires this summer meaning they will only have to offer training compensation to Auxerre rather than a decent transfer fee for the highly rated youngster.

The Gunners require more firepower than Olivier Giroud up front who has been in hot and cold form since his arrival last summer, but is the 20-year-old Frenchman the answer?

Many will argue no and with good reason, but if Wenger’s scouting staff have been tracking the youngster for awhile and not just because he would essentially be free then he could be good value especially as he represents his country at the U21 level..However he will be far from the finished article Arsenal require up front.

Sanogo is not the signing that the Gunners need, they even have two highly, young and talented centre forwards in Joel Campbell (on loan in Spain) and Chuba Apkom who has been ripping it up at academy and reserve level with the Gunners. I’d rather see the two promoted to the first team squad during preseason and a star striker brought it, someone established and ready to go..if the Gunners can acquire such a player should they miss out on a top four finish.

Lastly, it’s very difficult to see Wenger actually skipping across the Channel to talk to a 20-year-old Ligue 2 striker’s agent during March at one of the most vital points in the season..just saying.

Tags: Arsenal transfer rumours, featured, gossip, Yaya Sanogo

Category: News Feed, Transfer Rumours