Arsenal have been linked with a move for the dissatisfied Manchester United striker, but Nani would be a better option for their squad.
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a £15million bid for Manchester United winger Nani, who is set to leave Old Trafford after falling out of favour last season.
It is not the first Manchester United player that Arsenal have been linked with this summer, with Wayne Rooney’s public falling out with the club leading to rumours that the Gunners would try and tempt the striker to North London.
However given his extravagant wages and mixed recent form, that move would be a substantial risk for Arsenal, and their pursuit of other options like Stevan Jovetic might be the best way for them to bolster their attack.
This could be different in the case of Nani, as although the Portuguese player is famous for his inconsistency, he is incredibly talented, and Arsene Wenger might feel he would be able to get the best from the 26-year-old if he gives him a regular starting spot.
Nani is also the kind of winger Arsenal need, as although they have plenty of wide men on the books at the Emirates, few have the conventional attributes you expect.
They are a mix of wannabe strikers, like Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski, or central midfielders pushed out wide.
They also have the essentially useless Gervinho, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, another player who might end up in a more central role.
This means their wide players frequently drift inside, rather than staying out on their flank, with Arsenal’s attack sometimes becoming too narrow as a result.
Nani, whilst happy to cut inside, is a more typical winger, and has the pace and the skill to beat his full back and deliver crosses to Olivier Giroud, who has been starved of service at times this year.
At 26, Nani still has time to truly fulfil his potential, but his next move will be vital. Arsenal could give him a regular starting spot at one of the top sides in England, in a playing system where he will be encouraged to attack. It could be a perfect match for player and club, although Arsenal will have to find a deal with Manchester United first.
image: © gordonflood.com
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