Arsenal fans are screaming out for a big name signing this January but Arsene Wenger must know better because he has his sights set on 19 year old Florian Thauvin.
Thauvin currently plays for Ligue 1 Bastia and is thought to be available for around £4 million if Wenger wants to splash the cash on another youngster. So far this season the French youth international has scored 3 goals in 14 league games although Bastia currently reside in mid-table.
It is clear Wenger’s side lack any grit in central midfield and Thauvin wouldn’t bring any of that to The Emirates Stadium, he is of the mould of many of Arsenal’s current midfielders. The Frenchman can play anywhere in midfield as well as a more central forward, just like Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott.
Arsenal may face rivalry for Thauvin’s signature from Newcastle United who are currently trawling Ligue 1 for every single available player with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mathieu Debuchy and Massadio Haidara crossing The Channel already this January.
If Thauvin were to move to England this January, whether it is to the North East or North London, he would bring plenty of trickery and dribbling skill. So far in his short career with Bastia, Thauvin has shown he enjoys playing football in a way that would fit easily in to the Arsenal style.
Sam Jewell