Ian Wright Urges Arsenal to Maintain Pursuit of Star

Ian Wright is feeling the same pain as the rest of us.

Not just an Arsenal treasure, but a national treasure at that, there are few ex-players whose opinion is as valid as his.

After seeing one of the limpest halves of football this season during that second period against Leicester, the outcry for a creative force to come in and inject some flair in central areas was cranked up a few notches.

Our pursuit of Houssem Aouar was painfully drawn out, but not in the manner of Thomas Partey’s, where y’know, in the end, we actually signed him. Instead it became very apparent – as if it wasn’t already – that it would be well beyond Arsenal’s financial means to secure both of the targets they were after.

https://twitter.com/IanWright0/status/1321014368797138944

Some outlets have claimed that Edu won the battle of which player to sign, plumping for the Ghanaian’s more complete midfield profile over the diminutive talents of the Frenchman.

As we’re witness to more performances lacking that the nous needed to unlock low blocks or thread an eye of the needle pass through the most rigid defences, Aouar’s name will continue to crop up. Is he still an Arsenal target? We’d like to think so, since the transfer strategy in place at the club is a long-term one that was never going to be amended with one single summer of business.

"“Already from his [Partey’s] first game he’s got more interceptions individually than the rest of Arsenal’s midfield. He’s somebody that can win the ball but he can progress the ball.“They still need more, he’s not the main one and that’s why Arsenal went for Houssem Aouar as well. I’m hoping they can still get him at some stage but Partey is a massive improvement on what Arsenal have got.”"

Wright said so to Premier League Productions (via football.london), and the Gunners’ failure to land him is made even worse by the fact that Aouar is enjoying a fine start to the season for Lyon. He’s already scored twice and assisted another in six Ligue 1 matches.

Aouar is a player Arsenal need. Everyone knows this. Whether he’s a realistic target in January – highly unlikely since finances won’t have suddenly been boosted in a few short months – or next summer, there is no hiding from the necessity.

But there is nothing Mikel Arteta can do at this point. Whatever creative drive the club has, it’s in the squad at this very moment. It needs unearthing or tinkering with, so it’s best for all of us to spot crying over spilled milk.

Doesn’t mean we won’t be dreaming of a future link-up though, one that would require a significant outlay funded by some big departures. Wherever they may come from.