It has been reported in Italy today that Roma are planning a £5 million swoop for Arsenal full-back Emmanuel Eboue when the January window opens. However, is this a deal that is worth considering this winter?
The 27-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Arsenal line-up and is out of contract at the end of the season, which has the Serie A side on high alert. The Ivorian has only managed to appear 11 times for the Gunners this season (in all competitions) and is no doubt Wenger’s second-choice right-back at the club.
Eboue has been with the North London outfit since 2004 and has played 198 times for the club whilst bagging 9 goals in the process. However, since the arrival of Bacary Sagna in 2007, the Ivorian has become a bit part player for the club.
These days Eboue is used more as a utility player at Arsenal. His best position is at right-back, but in the past has shown he can play as a right midfielder as well as in the middle of the park.
Despite his limited opportunities, the charismatic full-back has become a popular figure amongst the Arsenal faithful, which may make a number of them sad to hear these rumours that the player could be on his way out this winter.
Although Eboue is a decent player for the club, isn’t it in Arsenal’s best interest to cash in on him this winter as appose to losing him on a free at the end of the season?
Unless Arsenal offer him a new contract, which is still uncertain at this point, then I would have to say that £5 million for a player that rarely starts is a decent enough offer to consider. However, Arsenal are already very limited in this designated area, which could prompt Wenger to either extend Eboue’s contract or outright sell him to Roma this winter. If Wenger does decide to let Eboue depart the Emirates this January, then I for one hope to see a suitable replacement come in, because the fact is we could do with more defenders in our squad. Nonetheless, its still early days and nothing has yet ensued between the two clubs
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I think if Wenger doesn’t offer him a contract then we should definately sell him in January rather than letting him go on a free in the summer. I wouldn’t like to see him go as he is a good versitile player and looks to be great character. Also I think he is better then Sagna defensively and offensively. He has better qualities and skills and more importantly drives at defences.
If he does go then I wish him the best of luck for the future.