With £24 million in the bank after agreeing to sell Robin van Persie, the question on every Arsenal fan’s lips is, how will they spend the money? Here is a look at one option for the Gunners.
Clint Dempsey has been a summer target for both Merseyside clubs, Liverpool and Everton but as it stands, the American is still a Fulham player. Today he has again been linked with Liverpool, but Arsenal would be wise to enter the bidding.
Dempsey, like van Persie was at Arsenal, is going into the last year on his contract and Fulham have so far rejected Liverpool’s advances.
With Everton also said to be interested in Dempsey but yet to make an offer, now could be the perfect time for Arsenal to pounce. Towards the end of last season, rumours started to surface that the 29-year-old could be on his way to North London but nothing materialised.
After securing the services of Lukas Podolski from FC Cologne and Olivier Giroud from Montpellier, maybe Arsene Wenger was waiting to see what happened with van Persie before looking to bring in another attacker. With the sale of his captain being inevitable, surely Wenger has always had a plan up his sleeve ready to put it into action as soon as he gets his money for last season’s Golden Boot winner.
Dempsey is not an out-to-out striker but still managed to score 17 Premier League goals last term and 23 in all competitions. The USA international can be used as a striker, attacking midfielder or out wide so would be ideal to play behind Podolski and/or Giroud.
Fulham are said to want big money for Dempsey and manager Martin Jol has discouraged bids for a player who for obvious reasons, he’d be reluctant to sell. Somewhere in the region of £10 million though, could see the player who has been at Craven Cottage for over five years, leave the club. The West Londoners’ stance may become a little weaker as the transfer window draws to a close though as they would then face losing their man on a free next summer.
The situation is similar to that of Mikel Arteta’s last year. Although Arteta had four years left on his contract at Goodison Park and the Toffees originally wanted almost double what the Gunners ended up paying for the midfielder – the club were left powerless as the player handed in a transfer request, stating he wanted to play in the Champions League, something Everton could not offer him.
Clint Dempsey has also publicly stated his desire to play Champions League football and at the age of 29, his next big move will be his last. There is no doubting Arsenal could afford to buy Dempsey but they need to act fast and make their move for the player. If the Gunners do show an interest then surely with the prospect of Champions League football, they’d be favourites to sign the Fulham man.
Dempsey and Arsenal, a match made in heaven? Gooners, what do you think?
image: © nicksarebi
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
