Arsenal: Dele Alli Transfer Links Just The Same Old

Arsene Wenger has conceded that Arsenal looked at Dele Alli before he moved to Tottenham Hotspur. The transfer links, though, are just the same old.

Arsene Wenger is notoriously hesitant in the transfer window. Unwilling to enter the financial battles of Chelsea and Manchester United, Arsenal’s manager far prefers to be patient in his player evaluation, ensuring that he has identified the right qualities, before pulling the trigger on the signing.

Related Story: Arsenal Vs Spurs: 5 Key Players To Watch

Such a thorough approach is an admirable and important aspect of Wenger’s management. He is acutely concerned with wasting money on misguided and misinformed transfers. However, how many stories have we read and heard in recent years regarding Wenger’s inability to sign a player who is now a world leading star?

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

N’Golo Kante, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and even Cristiano Ronaldo are all some of the many famous examples of players that Wenger has missed out on as a result of his hesitancy to either pay the price or commit to the deal. And now, there is another to add to the ever-growing list: Dele Alli.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s trip to White Hart Lane for the final North London Derby of the season, a game which his side must win if they are to dent Spurs’ title hopes and maintain their slender chances of hauling their way back into the top four positions, Wenger revealed that he was watching Alli while the youngster was plying his trade at MK Dons before Spurs signed their now outstanding attacking midfielder:

"“I think so, we looked at him. He played at Milton Keynes. It’s down the road from here. You have to say that he has done extremely well, and he has developed very well into a very complete player. He is dangerous and scores goals – I think he’s scored 16 or 17 goals this year, so it’s absolutely marvellous at his age. They’ve done well to buy him and give him a chance. They deserve credit for that.”"

The comments, though, are same old, same old from Wenger. There comes a point when regrets and mistakes of the past must turn into lessons learned and success in the future. Wenger, though, is seemingly unable to learn that, at times, he must abandon his indecision in the transfer market and commit to his signing.

Next: Arsenal Vs Spurs: Predicted Starting XI

But for Alli, he is a Spurs player, one that could torment their visitors on Sunday. That would only pile on the pain of missing out on services for Wenger.