The agent of Zambia striker Emmanuel Mayuka claims Arsenal, Fulham and Newcastle, as well as a number of other European clubs, are interested in signing the 21-year-old.
James Barrett recently told talkSPORT:
‘There has been interest shown from Arsenal, Newcastle and Fulham.
‘Emmanuel wants to play in the Premier League, which he feels is the best in the world, but there is more concrete interest from other European clubs.’
The Young Boys forward, who last Sunday won the African Cup of Nations with Zambia after beating Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout, joined the Swiss club from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2010 and is currently their top scorer this season with six goals.
However, it now seems Mayuka wants to test his ability in one of Europe’s top leagues, with the Premier league said to be his favoured destination.
So, should Arsenal look to take their interest further and bid for the Zambian star in the summer? In one word, no.
Although Mayuka looks a decent striker, I honestly think we should be targeting more established players – ones that would suit our style of play and actually offer competition to our current crop.
The Zambian, who still has three-and-a-half years left on his current deal with Young Boys, possesses good pace and a high-work rate – two components that are invaluable to have in the Premier league.
However, I just don’t think we need another young, unproven player, who plays in one of the smaller European leagues (the Swiss one) coming in.
Put it this way, if Carlos Vela, who in my opinion has great technical ability and skill, struggled to get into the Arsenal team, imagine how Mayuka would fare if he were to join us.
As stated before, I would rather us splash the cash on a proven potent striker, who score goals for fun, than sign a young forward who had a few good games in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in the past month.
What do you guys think? Would this be a good move to follow up in the summer?
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No Way! Tony`s final paragraph says it all. Also Vela would have surely been more sucessful for us this year than the two invisable strikers. Saving the wages of both and Park,s fee would have paid for Vela and any surplus could have gone towards M. Inerta`s latest excuse – the `strange story of the £20m`.
I think he can play better than chamaka, park,arshavan. Etoo,drogba,adebayor,ba etc were jst lyk him we back.dont b biased.
I agree with Kyles…this kid is as good as Eto was at his age…ignore him at your peril…he has pace, power (despit his size he holds the ball well)…very good technique and shooting ability (watch his goals on you tube) … and a high work rate…its not just his goals but he weighs in a fair share of assits as well…he could be good support for van persie and a better alternative than chamak or arshavin who have been pants of late
I agree with Kyles and supergunner…this kid is a quite balance athlete (physique and skill). He sparkled against quality defences at Afcon and his reflexes and flexibility are way better than chamakh; his work rate way better than park.
Arsenal will regret having not signed Mayuka. He is young and cheap! One thing you need to know is that such players always come to haunt you in future. If i were Arsenal, I would not hesitate to splash a few million pounds
arsenal gotta get this kid. i agree with supergunner and kyles too.i have seen what chamakh,arshavin and mayuka can do..at his age and price he would attract wont hurt arsenals wallet dat much besides he young and ambitious and would wanna prove a point to critics like you tony that he deserves to play top of the class football..hes not a late bloomer.look at the AFCON favorites all big names couldnt perform as the hype had it.demba ba and cisse exited da competition without winning a single game with experienced strikers in the premier league..i say go for him
He has grown leaps and bounds…has no fear…let him add impetus…
I feel Mayuka would be a good addition to the Arsenal side. This boy has the stamina to last the whole 90 minutes and still maintain his pace. The writer seems to be biased against the youngster. Give a chance if doesn’t impress you can always say Zambian players fail to keep up with the EPL and compare him to Mbesuma.
Mayuka is a great player..ask African stars playing in the EPL.
He has been great in the Swiss League, not just at the Afcon.
Serious teams will get his signature.
Arsenal need established players please. Enough of all this mediocrity.