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Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Stars Not Aligning For Blaise Matuidi
By Josh Sippie
Arsenal’s link to Blaise Matuidi has nothing but positives, but the problems arise when you start talking plausibility. The stars just aren’t aligning on this move.
Arsenal’s midfield was in shambles for a period. It forced Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the center of the pitch, which was such a blessing, but it also reminded us that there is a ton of room for improvement at our most stocked position.
Related: Arsenal’s 15 Greatest Strikers Of All Time
As such, linking to Blaise Matuidi is enticing. The Frenchman is an all-purpose midfielder who can do just about everything. He is a tireless workaholic who the Gunners could rely on in a number of key roles.
Plus, PSG are overtly trying to sell him, according to numerous reports. They have a stacked midfield as well and Matuidi is no longer a top option for them.
So what’s the problem then, Arsenal? Sign him up and get on with life.
Well, there are a few problems. For as nice as this move sounds, there are a lot of logistical problems. First of all, Matuidi will be 30 soon, which means he will be on the wrong side of his career. The Gunners would love to have him in a rotational role, but that would mean lower wages.
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And that is the main problem, as China could offer Matuidi as much money as he wants and win him over rather easily. No problems at all. The Gunners would not compete with the Chinese Super League and their ability to pay any price for any player. And honestly, for players like Matuidi, who you may get a few more years out of, there is no need to compete.
And there are more problems. Mainly, unless Wenger parts with Ramsey, Cazorla, Coquelin or a collection of other midfielders, he isn’t going to be shopping the position. I would love to see some names cut like Coquelin and Ramsey to have them replaced by Matuidi and some positive future prospects like Jon Toral, but that isn’t how Wenger usually does things.
Faith until the end, and these guys have that faith.
Matuidi and Arsenal could have been the perfect fit in a previous life, but the stars just aren’t aligning for a move to work out this time around. With China looming and no real demand for his position, despite how much sense it would make, this just isn’t going to happen.
Next: Wenger's 15 Most Ridiculous Transfer Rumor Sagas
That being said, I am a big fan of being proved wrong in regards to transfers.