Adem Ljajic nearly signed for Manchester United, now could he be Arsenal bound?
For those not familiar with Adem Ljajic, you nearly were, for he was very close to being a Premier League star.
Back in 2009 Manchester United announced a double deal to sign Ljajic, and Serbian teammate Zoran Tosic from Partizan Belgrade.
Tosic arrived immediately, but never got a fair crack at Old Trafford, while the agreement was for Ljajic to stay in Serbia for 12 months.
Almost a year later United pulled out of the agreement, citing work permit issues, although conspiracy theories involved United being unimpressed with Tosic and therefore trying to wriggle out of paying the agreed fee for Ljajic.
It didn’t take long for him to find a new club, signing almost straight away for Italian club Fiorentina for £6 million.
Last season, 2010/11 was an impressive one for Ljajic, given increased responsibility at the Viola through Stefan Jovetic’s knee injury, playing 26 games.
This year, Jovetic has returned to full fitness and stunning form, meaning Ljajic is playing a bit part role, playing just 12 league games, scoring one goal.
Ljajic is a playmaker who like Jovetic can play behind the striker, and has strong passing ability. He has been capped six times for his native Serbia, and is only 20.
A report in the Metro has linked Arsene Wenger with making a summer swoop.
Would it be a wise move? There are reasons for and against.
Against, one could argue that Ljajic cannot force his way into Fiorentina’s team at present, and would equally struggle at Arsenal. There are also many players in his position competing for places including the returning Ryo Miyaichi.
Equally with Jovetic linked with a big money move away, with Chelsea heavily linked, Ljajic may prefer to continue his progression in his absence.
On the plus side, Ljajic would be a younger alternative to Yossi Benayoun, now in his 30s, and who is unlikely to improve further.
Ljajic meanwhile is only just getting started in professional football, and already has six international appearances to his name. If he is that good, then surely he is just one season away from a breakthrough season to establish himself as a bona fide star, and this summer could be just the right time to make a move.
With Van Persie and Podolski in Arsenal’s attack next season, fans would hope any way, a player like Ljajic could be useful in providing the link between strikers and attack, and could revel in even a bit-part role.
He would also come cheap, likely for under £8 million, and in many ways would be a ‘typical’ Wenger signing, shunning established stars, for promising talents ready to carve out successful careers.
For sure, Arsenal fans will demand big signings this summer, with Vertonghen, Dempsey, M’Vila among players linked, but a cheap gamble on Ljajic might just be worth going for too.
Watch Ljajic in action here:
image: © yoca91
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