Arsenal are yet again being linked with the out-of-form French stalwart Yoann Gourcuff.
Reports in France claim the Gunners have submitted a loan bid for the Lyon player with an option to sign him permanently towards the end of the season.
Back in October, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted that he rejected a bid from the English club. He also said that Arsene Wenger wanted to rebuild the team after big exits from Nasri and Fabregas with Gourcuff as the central figure:
‘There was an offer from Arsenal and I said no. Simply because he has a five-year contract, he wants to succeed here and I believe in him.’
The deal didn’t materialize due to various reasons with the main one being the fitness of the former-Bordeaux man. The player underwent ankle surgery in July and is still struggling to regain his old form which led to him being compared to French legends. All this has put his place in the Euro squad in jeopardy.
But people should remember that Gourcuff is a player of immense technical ability. Such was his talent that he was linked with a host of European giants including Arsenal at the age of 20 in 2006 – Carlo Ancelotti was the one who lured him to Milan.
Would a loan move for Gourcuff be a wise move by Wenger this January? Do Arsenal relly need one more central midfielder in their squad? Most of the decisions, especially transfer decisions, taken by Wenger have always benefited the club.
Firstly, Gourcuff is a supremely talented player so if, and only if, Wenger signs him it would be a massive coup for the club. His lack of playing time and poor form has certainly reduced the player’s value and it appears Lyon are also ready to sell him if the right offer comes in. With rumours beginning to emanate that the club might lose the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun in the summer, it would be a very wise to for us to sign Gourcuff as soon as possible.
As it is said, every single thing has got an advantage as well as a disadvantage. The advantage of Gourcuff coming to Arsenal would be his skill, technical ability and experience. On the flipside, his arrival may mean less playing time for the likes of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, which might reduce the speed of their development. Ramsey has excelled in the ‘hole’ role, which is Gourcuff’s best position.
Many of the Emirates faithful have already raised this point and may feel that anybody coming in to the club would hinder the progress of Wilshere and Ramsey. However, if the rumours are true and players like Rosicky and Benayoun are leaving next summer, then Wenger will be doing the right thing in bringing in French international, who brings with him vital experience and great ability.
Recently, fan favourite Robert Pires encouraged Wenger to bring in his fellow countryman.
The former Gunner told Canal+:
‘Wenger should definitely consider signing Gourcuff and it would be terrific for the player also, he will improve tremendously and I don’t think there is a better manager to work under to hone his skills.’
However, Aulas recently ruled out any potential deal for Gourcuff until June 30th next year, and believes the Frenchman will remain a Lyon player for a long time after that date:
‘Yoann is a Lyon player and he will remain with Lyon after 31st December and until 30th June. It is likely that he will remain with the club for a long time after that date.’
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