It goes without saying that the summer of 2014 will be one of the best ever as the World Cup takes centre stage followed by the transfer window. Any player that shines at the World Cup has every manager, coach and scout compiling dossiers on them for the domestic clubs.
The competition can make or break a player, mentally and physically, but it’s the best that get through unscathed and I’m sure they’ll be the ones that are hotly pursued by most potential suitors across the globe.
Casemiro is a player who unsure of getting a starting place in Brazil or even if he’ll make the squad, but if he does then one man who’ll be keeping a close eye on him is Arsene Wenger. Talksport have reported that Arsenal are monitoring the situation around the 22-year-old Brazilian as his career at Real Madrid has stagnated.
He was obviously touted for big things when Real Madrid signed him from Sau Paulo last summer. However, since the start of the season, Casemiro has featured in just 20 games. Nine of those have come in the La Liga.
With a good injury record, that’s quite a poor figure, but when you have to realise that competing with Xabi Alonso, Asier Illaramendi, Lukas Modric and Sami Khedira is never easy for any young midfielder in a new side.
Arsenal haven’t got anywhere near the quality of Alonso, Illaramendi, Modric or Khedira in the centre of midfield but they do have numbers and experience. As well as versatility. In my opinion, Arsenal need a reasonably experienced but well trained defensive midfielder that has shone this season and I don’t feel that Casemiro fits that description.
Yes, he has played and yes he is a good player, but he’s not what Arsenal need. The Gunners need someone that can make that transition into their squad almost immediately and doesn’t require time and patience to unlock that potential. Arsenal don’t need a project, they need the finished article.
Casemiro is a no-go for me.