Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Arsene Wenger to sign the former Liverpool midfielder.
Javier Mascherano was in terrific form for Argentina as they beat the Netherlands in the World Cup semi-final on penalties to reach Sunday’s final, where they will face Germany.
Gary Lineker had already praised the Barcelona midfielder, while Robbie Fowler personally congratulated him on Twitter.
However, Wright has taken his adoration of the man who used to turn out for the Reds to the next level.
Indeed, the 50-year-old has praised Mascherano’s ‘refusal to lose’ and pleaded with the Gunners to sign the 30-year-old.
There has been speculation that Mikel Arteta may leave north London this summer, while Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.
But it is Mascherano who Wright wants to see at the Emirates Stadium, with the Argentine having experience of the Premier League, Champions League and now reaching the World Cup final.
| Team | Pos | Tackles Won | Interceptions Won | Apps | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Mascherano | Argentina | MF | 22 | 13 | 6 | 600 |
| Oscar | Brazil | MF | 20 | 7 | 6 | 549 |
| Cristian Gamboa | Costa Rica | DF | 18 | 4 | 5 | 426 |
| Daley Blind | Netherlands | DF | 16 | 10 | 6 | 600 |
As Opta stats show, the 30-year-old has won the most tackles at the World Cup, while also making 13 interceptions,
Against the Netherlands, meanwhile, he did a particularly effective job of shackling Arjen Robben. No wonder Wright is a fan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
