If Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League this season, money could be quite tight at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
And let’s face it, sitting 10th in the Premier League table, Mikel Arteta probably won’t guide the Gunners back into Europe’s elite competition and avail of the huge financial advatages of being there.
With that in mind, Arsenal’s summer business might have to be comprised of low-budget prospects and other bargains.
And there’s one player firmly in the latter category who Arteta and Edu should be looking at.
David Alaba has confirmed that he’s leaving Bayern Munich at the end of this season when his contract expires.
The Austria international has nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns under his belt – and he’s still only 28.
He’s going to be very hot property and although Arsenal can’t offer him Champions League football, they can offer him the chance to fulfill a dream.
That’s because the Bayern defender – who can play left-back and centre-back – is a lifelong fan of the Emirates Stadium side, telling The Times last year: “I know the Premier League very well because I followed it a lot when I was younger. I supported Arsenal. Patrick Vieira was one of my favourite players.”
Is that enough of a factor to make Alaba tell Europe’s biggest clubs where to go if they come knocking? Potentially not, but Arsenal, despite struggling in the Premier League, still do have quite a few brilliant players in the squad and the prospect of helping them reach the next level might well appeal to him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
