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Is Japanese striker the missing piece to Wenger’s puzzle?

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It has been reported in Italy today that Catania striker Takayuki Morimoto is ready to leave the Serie A club when the January window opens, which has put Arsenal and several other Premier League clubs on high alert.

However, is Morimoto the missing piece in Arsenal’s title winning puzzle? Or are there better options available to Wenger this winter?

Corriere dello Sport has revealed that the 22-year-old Japanese international is ready to depart the Italian outfit after struggling to attain first-team action this season, which will no doubt be music to Wenger’s ears.

The Frenchman is a very keen admirer of the striker (who can also play on the wing), and has been linked with the player in the past and may rekindle his interest sooner than he thought.

The Japanese striker has been with Catania since 2006 and has only managed to accumulate a total of 80 appearances (in all competitions) whilst bagging 19 goals along the way so far. The striker’s goal ratio for the Italian outfit is approximately 1 in every 4 games (make what you will of this).

So far this season, Morimoto has made 3 appearances (2 in Serie A, from the bench, and 1 in Coppa Italia) which no doubt indicates that he has in fact dropped down the pecking order and out-of-favour.

A.C Milan and Brazilian superstar Alexandre Pato paid tribute to Takayuki Morimoto in Corriere dello Sport recently by insisting that the Japanese striker is the best young talent in Serie A, and likened him to Legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldo. This may be taking it a bit far, but the 22-year-old does possesses great speed and strength, as well as a good work rate.


Morimoto’s contract doesn’t expire until 2012, but has asked to be put on the transfer list, and is expecting to leave the club as early as January.

The striker does look like a good player and would probably be on the market for around £7-10 million, but personally, I feel there are better options out there for Wenger to explore. I am not saying that Morimoto isn’t a good player, because he does possess good qualities to become a top striker, but the fact is his goal ratio isn’t sufficient enough for a team of Arsenal’s stature…continue your search Wenger.

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2 comments

  • Tobby says:

    I don’t know much about this player but I don’t think he is the right player for Arsenal. Arsenal must go for experience and known players or we have no chance in winning anything this season.

  • andrew says:

    Boy has got a bit of a talent…but seria A is of poor standard in the last few years….and if the lad can’t get a game for catania…what makes us think he gonna get a starting role for the gunners???….in my opinion..this could be a money making signing by wenger here…paying 7mil for him is nothing compared to what arsenal would make from japanese sponsers and fans who will buy every shirt available to follow ‘one of their own’……think about it!!!…let’s just hope he ain’t another Inamoto….

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