Arsenal are trying to land Uzbekistan captain Odil Ahmedov, according to the head of the Asian country’s football federation.
The 23-year-old Pakhtakor Tashkent midfielder, who is currently on-loan at Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, is believed to be on Arsene Wenger’s radar this summer, according to Mirabor Usmanov.
Usmanov, the president of Uzbekistan football federation, claims Ahmedov’s tough-tackling style has attracted the attention of Arsenal.
Usmanov, who is not related to Arsenal’s major shareholder Alisher Usmanov in any way, was quoted in the Daily Mail today saying:
‘Such a flattering offer from the English club was possible thanks to the successful performance of the Uzbekistan team at the 2011 Asian Cup, where the Uzbek team finished fourth.’
The Uzbekistan international, who can also play as an emergency centre-back, is known for his strength, tough tackling and long range efforts.
Odil Ahmedov has previously been linked with Malaga, Bolton, Monaco and several clubs in the Middle East.
Whenever I read, or better yet, express my view on an Arsenal transfer rumour, I do one of three things – outright dismiss the player in question, praise them to the highest extent and give you folks reasons why we should sign him, or think ‘who in the blue hell is this guy’ – In this case it would appear to be the latter of the three (if anyone knows more about him, then please fill us in).
Despite performing well for Uzbekistan in the Asia cup earlier in the year (where he managed to score a rocket against Qatar), I highly doubt that a lot of Arsenal fans would like to see him arrive at the Emirates this summer.
Anyway, I’ll let you guys discuss whether or not we should go for him during the summer break, as I am still trying to wrap my mind round why the club would be interested in him, rather than a top quality midfielder.
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WENGER SHOULD LEAVE ARSENAL AND GO TO THE MOON. WHY IS HE NOT MAKING THE SIGNINGS WE ALL KNOW THE CLUB NEEDS. WHAT IS HE WAITING FOR – LAST MINUTE BARGAINS WHEN THE CLUB HAS A TOUGH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFYING ROUND TO NEGOTIATE SOON. HOW COULD HE LOSE ON JONES TO UNITED? THIS MAN IS A LOSER AND SHOULD LEAVE. MAYBE HE CAN GO WITH NASRI TO UNITED AND BECOME THEIR CFO OR SOME OTHER STUPID BOARDROOM POST. WHAT A LOSER. SICK OF IT, ALREADY!