A few days ago, it was reported in Life Sports that Arsenal are preparing a £11.6 million summer bid for CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda, whose contract with the Russian outfit expires in 2013.
The 25-year-old’s agent, Kees Ploegsma, admitted last week that the Japanese star may look to leave CSKA in the summer, but insists his client remains focused on the current campaign.
Ploegsma told the Russian sports site:
‘We were not able to carry out maintenance of the Honda CSKA Moscow in the winter, but see what happens in the summer. Until then, Honda will work for this club.’
It appears Arsenal are in no hurry to discuss any transfer information involving Honda:
‘We do not comment on transfer activities of our club.’
Honda was linked with a move to The Emirates last summer, but nothing transpired. However, with his contract nearing its expiry date and the midfielder seemingly growing restless in Russia, a change of scenery could possibly be on the cards at the end of the season.
Former CSKA coach Alexander Tarkhanov believes the ex-VVV-Venlo man would suit Arsenal’s style of play, should he choose to join the London club:
‘Honda is a subtle player who plays a good game.
‘After the departure of Wagner from CSKA, the Japanese star took over the leadership roles and has coped well. As for his possible transition to Arsenal, it seems to me that Keisuke is ideal for Arsene Wenger’s concept.’
Honda moved to CSKA from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo in 2009 for a reported fee of €6 million. And after an impressive World Cup in South Africa the following year, Honda attracted intense interest from several European clubs, including AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal and Lazio.
Having agreed personal terms, the Japanese international almost sealed a January switch to Lazio this season, but CSKA pulled the plug on the deal as both clubs failed to agree a fee for the utility player.
Known hugely for his versatility, set-pieces and skill, Honda has made a total of 70 appearances for CSKA so far, scoring 13 goals and creating six.
I honestly believe that Arsenal should pursue Honda at all costs this summer.
The midfielder has exceptional talent and would suit our style of play perfectly.
Honda can be deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or in the hole behind the striker, a position I still thinks needs addressing at our club since the departure of Cesc Fabregas last summer.
The CSKA playmaker would make a great addition to the team, is in his prime and with his contract set to expire next summer, it would be foolish not to try and snap him up, if the price is right of course.
We all know we desperately need a striker and a player that can create in the middle of the park, the addition of Honda, in my opinion, would certainly kill two birds with stone!
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could not disagree more. there are better options available than this underwhelming player
You sir are a fucking retard. Honda is an exceptional player, just what arsenal need. If you still think arsenals going to sign gotze or hazard you’re fucked up. They are out of wengers price range. Honda wouldnt be much worse than those players, if you even eatched football youd know that
Quality player, had hoped we would make a bid in January but relieved the Lazio deal fell through. Would prefer Mario Gotze, but as Honda is likely to be about 1/3 of the price, wouldn’t be displeased with him as an alternative. Having said that, not convinced we’ll make a move for him now that Wilshere appears to be on the verge of returning.
Clint Dempsey is the only player Arsenal need this summer!
Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund) is 100 times better than this guy. This remains injured for half the season every year !
Honda is too injury prone and inconsistent for my liking. And 13 goals in 70 games isn’t good enough if you are going to be arsenal’s first choice attacking miedfielder. Just my opinion.
So, i am a retard and i am fucked up. Plus despite being an Arsenal season ticket holder over 20 years, and been going to see them for 54 years, i know nothing about football. All because i dare have my own opinion. Well you are a lovely person. I suggest you crawl back from whence you came
It’s odd that people like Gunner4life Says that Honda is injury prone. This is a total lie. Why does this guy try to spread false information?
Honda has been famous for hardly getting injured. As the key player of CSKA Moscow, which is the 15th in the European club ranking, he is now targeted by their Russian opponents – can’t win agaisnt him with skills, so eliminate him from the pitch by knocking him out. That way he got injured twice.
There was a rumour in Germany in Feb. that it was a done deal, but not sure if Arsenal is good enough for Honda.
To add, CSKA Moscow struggle without Honda due to a lack of creativity. Hence, CSKA’s opponents have convinced themselves that they can have a reasonable hope of winning against CSKA if Honda does not play.
It’s been widely pointed that out both in Russia and Spain. This became very apparent playing against Real Madrid and Zenit. Against RM in the first leg Honda came on in the last 20 minutes or so. The game suddenly changed. Real Madrid began to lose control of the game and the midfield began to be dominated by CSKA. It ended a draw with CSKA scoring late. That was the first game Honta played after returning from 4 months rehabilitation. He sustained his injury when he received a vicious tackle in a derby match last Autumn.