Arsene Wenger loves a bargain, doesn’t he? Before he splashed the cash on Mesut Ozil, the Frenchman’s only signing of the season was freebie Yaya Sanogo, and he also snapped up Matieu Flamini after he rejected a new contract at AC Milan. It is now suggested, by the Daily Mail anyway, that he is ready to pounce on the clause in Saido Berahino’s West Brom contract.
It seems as though his current hot streak in form is about to make him a very wealthy man, as the Baggies are ready to offer big money in order to retain his services.
The 20-year-old, who has spent time with Northampton Town, Brentford, and Peterborough trying to establish a name for himself, is reportedly on a mere £850-per-week at the Hawthorns. I say mere as I flick through the average salaries of players in the Premier League, but in reality that’s still a huge chunk of money.
So far this season he has scored five goals in six games in all competitions, including this weekend’s corker away at Manchester United that eventually won the game, and he is about to get his just rewards.
There are now a host of topflight sides apparently interested in the young forward, including Arsenal and Everton, but does the former’s interest suggest that Wenger is still focusing his efforts on shrewd, cheap signings rather than throwing money at established players?
I think so, and so do many fans, but you can’t really blame the man, can you?
Would you rather take your chances with a promising youngster who will likely only play a bit-part role amongst your strong, big money team – or – stump up a huge fee for a player who could possibly fail and make you look like a wally?
I know what I’d rather do. Gunners, do you agree that Wenger’s interest is a sign he is still a fan of the bargain basement?