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Arsene Wenger’s Failure to Nab Zaza Simone Full of Negative Connotation
By Josh Sippie
Most Arsenal supporters are still a bit sour that Arsene Wenger did not make any signings on transfer deadline day. To make matters worse, news is now coming out that Wenger made a few last ditch efforts to sign a striker or two that, had he given himself more time, could have been completed.
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One such move was for Juventus striker Zaza Simone.
Reports have indicated that Wenger made a deadline day approach for the Italian striker but Juventus did not feel comfortable parting with him, as they would not have enough time to replace him.
That is where the frustration emerges and the questions arise. Arsene Wenger claimed to be doing all he could to secure a signing, yet SkySports Italia came out with this report indicating that Wenger literally waited until the last minute and was therefore unable to sign Simone.
Similar reports have emerged about Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but those are unconfirmed by a source as reputable as SkySports.
This story is going to be really problematic when taking to the defense of Arsene Wenger. More power to him if he was stuck on not being able to find the perfect fit for the club. However, if he made a bid for Zaza Simone, it clearly appears as though Wenger had him pegged as a fit for Arsenal.
The fact that he was unable to secure the transfer due to time constraints indicates that Wenger was just lax in his pursuit of the striker.
Similar reports indicate that if Wenger would have bid again in the vicinity of £22 million, then Juventus again would have parted with the striker. However, after being denied the first bid, Wenger decided not to follow it up. This may be a matter of Wenger not being that in on Simone in the first place or it may be that Wenger was again, just a tad lazy.
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Not being totally in on the guy and still bidding for him does not sound like Wenger. While lazy does not sound like him either, it is the more likely of the two scenarios.
Arsenal could have greatly benefited from another proven goal scorer. While Zaza’s goal numbers are nothing spectacular, he has been consistent in his yearly goal production and that is more than Welbeck and Walcott can say.
Was he worth £22 million? Probably not, and that may well be another of the hold ups. But Wenger has a knack for bringing out the best in his players – he always has. Who knows what could have been.
The frustration at our lack of signings is not going to go away until this team reminds everyone that no signings were needed. However, reports like this are not going to help.
Next: Gabriel Paulista Deserving of Starting Job?