Several reports are claiming that Roma’s unsettled front-man Jeremy Menez is being linked with a summer move to Arsenal, but would he be beneficial acquisition for the Gunners if Wenger were to sign him?
The 23-year-old has recently revealed that he could be on his way out of the Stadio Olimpico this summer after becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of first-team action.
The versatile Frenchman has dropped down the pecking order since Vincenzo Montella took charge last month following Claudio Ranieri’s departure. Menez has held talks with interim boss about the current situation, but was not satisfied with the outcome, which has left the France international pondering his future this summer. He told French publication L’Equipe:
‘Since there is the new coach I have played less. I will continue to work as I have always done, then we’ll see.’
‘I was very surprised to suddenly find myself on the bench, I found it hard to accept. I don’t understand the choices of the coach but I respect them. I talked to Montella but I felt that his speech was not sincere, that it didn’t correspond to reality.’
Menez finished off by saying:
‘A departure at the end of the season? I don’t rule out it. To give the best I need to feel confident and feel important for the club.’
Menez, whose current contract expires in June 2012, joined Roma in 2008 from Monaco and has bagged 11 goals in 97 appearances (in domestic and European competitions) for the Serie A outfit.
Arsene Wenger will surely be keeping tabs on the Menez situation, as the Arsenal boss looks to strengthen his side for next season’s campaign. However, are there better options out there than Jeremy Menez?
There is no doubt that Jeremy Menez has talent. The Frenchman can play anywhere along the front-line but primarily likes to cut in from the left wing. He possesses great movement, skill, and can use both feet. To put it in a simpler way, Menez reminds me a lot of Andrey Arshavin; both players share the same attributes in my opinion.
Although his goal ratio doesn’t look impressive (approximately 1 goal every 9 games), I don’t see Menez (if we acquire him this summer) playing as the central figure up-front.
I believe Arsenal will need to acquire a winger this summer, and although Menez may not be on top of the fans wish list, I think Wenger should seriously consider the Roma winger.
Here is a video of the French winger in action:
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A cheaper alternative to Eden Hazard maybe? Although with Carlos Vela doing well on loan, you’d think that would mean someone leaving. Probably Rosicky by the look of things.
Hey that would be great replacement for arshavin and just we have to buy cb cahill or mertesacker.
I don’t know too much about him but I do think there are better options like Eden Hazard. Wenger needs to buy right and spend some money on quality players.
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