Rumours of Arsenal signing Mario Balotelli have been sparked again by the reports Arsene Wenger is set to meet his agent. With a price tag of around £27m, many fans are surely wondering whether or not Wenger would reap the rewards of spending such a substantial fee on such a controversial, problematic yet on his day utterly brilliant player.
There is no doubt that the 2013/2014 season showed Arsenal's dire need to sign a striker. Although Olivier Giroud scoring record (22 goals in all competitions) may look reasonable, against big teams Arsenal simply didn't have a player who could deliver. It could be argued this was the reason for the title challenge collapsing so predictably during the latter period of the season. Balotelli, however, has a habit of finding the net in big games. Not only during his time in the Premier League against the likes of rivals Manchester United but also noticeably for his country, most noticeably and perhaps painfully against England at the World Cup. In Euro 2012 he showed signs of maturity and a different more desirable side of himself in many people eyes, guiding Italy to the Final.
Scenes of training ground bust ups with Roberto Mancini will still be fresh in the mind of those sceptical surrounding the potential signing of the ex Manchester City man. It seems that Arsene Wenger, if anyone, may be exactly the kind of manager Balotelli needs to control him. If Wenger does achieve this, at 23, Balotelli still has his best years ahead of him and if his potential is fulfilled, undoubtedly has the makings of a great player.
The signing of Mezut Özil was a pleasant surprise for many fans on deadline day of the last summer transfer window. If Arsenal and Arsene Wenger truly want to mount a title bid signing the likes of Balotelli would be a fantastic start, although more signings such as the likes of Serge Aurier would still be necessary. Fans may still feel they are overdue more quality signings from Wenger and despite the obvious risks associated with Mario, you just know if he was to sign he'd be making headlines at the club. The type of headlines, if rumours are true and he signs, are yet to be seen. One thing is for sure, wherever Balotelli goes excitement follows. Arsenal fans seem eager for Wenger to take the risk and make him the first of hopefully many signings to come this summer.
Written by Daniel Siggins (siggy_96)
There is no doubt that the 2013/2014 season showed Arsenal's dire need to sign a striker. Although Olivier Giroud scoring record (22 goals in all competitions) may look reasonable, against big teams Arsenal simply didn't have a player who could deliver. It could be argued this was the reason for the title challenge collapsing so predictably during the latter period of the season. Balotelli, however, has a habit of finding the net in big games. Not only during his time in the Premier League against the likes of rivals Manchester United but also noticeably for his country, most noticeably and perhaps painfully against England at the World Cup. In Euro 2012 he showed signs of maturity and a different more desirable side of himself in many people eyes, guiding Italy to the Final.
Scenes of training ground bust ups with Roberto Mancini will still be fresh in the mind of those sceptical surrounding the potential signing of the ex Manchester City man. It seems that Arsene Wenger, if anyone, may be exactly the kind of manager Balotelli needs to control him. If Wenger does achieve this, at 23, Balotelli still has his best years ahead of him and if his potential is fulfilled, undoubtedly has the makings of a great player.
The signing of Mezut Özil was a pleasant surprise for many fans on deadline day of the last summer transfer window. If Arsenal and Arsene Wenger truly want to mount a title bid signing the likes of Balotelli would be a fantastic start, although more signings such as the likes of Serge Aurier would still be necessary. Fans may still feel they are overdue more quality signings from Wenger and despite the obvious risks associated with Mario, you just know if he was to sign he'd be making headlines at the club. The type of headlines, if rumours are true and he signs, are yet to be seen. One thing is for sure, wherever Balotelli goes excitement follows. Arsenal fans seem eager for Wenger to take the risk and make him the first of hopefully many signings to come this summer.
Written by Daniel Siggins (siggy_96)