Aaron Ramsey has said he would be the first to welcome Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama to Arsenal should the rumours turn into a signing, after the midfielder developed a soft spot for Kenya while on holiday.
The Gunners are in need of a midfield enforcer with no new defensive midfielders coming in after the departure of Alex Song last summer, with Arteta and eventually Ramsey deployed in deeper roles to help shield Arsenal’s defence.
The Welshman is taking a break from football to visit Africa with his family, and had plenty of positives to say about the Kenyan combative midfielder who won the Young Player of the Year award in Scotland.
Wanyama has been reportedly tracked by the Gunners, and speculation was further fueled by ex Arsenal star Perry Grove whourged Wenger to make a move for the physical midfielder who has drawn many plaudits despite being only 21-years-old.
Ramsey joined in on applauding the midfielders talents and would welcome a partnership with the Kenyan.
He said in an interview:
From what I have seen and experienced in Kenya, having a Kenyan at Arsenal would be a great thing.
Don't Miss:
- Martin Odgaard reveals where he’ll play next season amid Arsenal talks
- Edu and Mertesacker react to Steve Bould’s Arsenal exit after 33 years
- £34million 29-goal striker has become a priority signing for Arsenal
Of course I don’t have a say on who joins us at the Emirates but if at all Arsenal get to sign Victor (Wanyama), I will be the first to welcome him.
Before I saw him play, all I knew of Kenya was its wildlife, athletics and the Rugby Sevens squad.
I have watched him play for Celtic, I watched him score against Barcelona and I think he is a great player. Whether he will join us is for other people to decided.
His name has been all over the British press. He is one player I have read many clubs in England are chasing and I have no doubt he has great talent if top clubs in England are interested in him.
For a Kenyan to win the Young Player of the Year award in Scotland, it means a lot. It shows that there is great football potential in this country.
Gooners are certainly keen on Wenger signing the young Kenyan. His athleticism will be a big asset, and his combative nature is exactly what the Gunners midfield needs.
Since Alex Song’s departure the heart of the park has been less physical and more focused on agility and precision, while it worked well for the season run-in an enforcer is required. Song was not only physical on the pitch but his body recovered extremely well for matches meaning he rarely suffered from injuries and was available for most of the matches. Hopefully Wanyama is in a similar mold.
The Kenyan can also play at centre back, and with the Gunners looking to add another central defender to increase the depth, acquiring Wanyama will kill two birds with one stone. We do not need another out and out centre back with three world class players battling for the position already, he would be an excellent utility player.
Think you may have guessed, but I’m fully behind the idea of Wenger signing the 21-year-old Celtic star. And at £10m that’s a Wenger-esk bargain.
COMMENTS