Gokhan Inler: Everton Make £7m Move for Arsenal & Newcastle Swiss Target But Perfect for Spurs

Udinese midfielder has been the subject of much interest from the Premier League this summer with both Newcastle and Arsenal heavily linked to the Swiss sensation. Despite comments from his agent concerning a reported move to the Emirates it has emerged that David Moyes is attempting to make the Serie A anchorman his first summer signing for £7m.

Inler’s agent Dino Lambertini had previously claimed he was planning to meet Arsenal representatives to discuss a £10m move to North London. He announced to the press a few weeks ago, “I’m due to go to London and take a look over everything, but no deal has been done yet with Arsenal.”

“It is difficult for us to take a decision, but Arsenal is certainly something that Gokhan needs to look at.

“Wenger is someone who helps young players go forward.”

Despite reported interest from both the player and Arsenal in making a deal happen, it has emerged that it’s Everton who are making a £7m move to bring the exciting star to Goodison as a direct replacement for veteran Lee Carsley who joined Birmingham this summer.

The player had also been strongly linked to Newcastle but now they face real competition from Arsenal and Everton. After the collapse of Tiago’s loan move to Merseyside, Moyes needs to bring in reinforcements and there’s no doubt Inler fits the bill.

It’s of no surprise the player has been linked to these clubs as though he may not be a household name in England but he’s well regarded in Europe over the past few seasons and impressed individually in Switzerland’s doomed Euro 2008 performances. Inler currently plies his trade for Serie A side Udinese whom he joined at the beginning of last season.

The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive first campaign in Italy after moving from FC Zurich. Due to injuries to established midfield stars Giampiero Pinzi and Chris Obodo, the youngster soon became a first team regular and was voted the best foreign player in the Italian top division for the past half of the campaign last season. He played in 37 of the clubs 38 League games and scored twice (all starts) as Udinese finished an impressive 7th.

Inler’s a highly energetic player with an excellent work ethic and is sound in possession. He is not afraid to put himself about but is not an overly physical player as 6 bookings in 37 games last season suggests. He certainly isn’t a patch on Joey Barton anyway!

The Swiss youngster is an excellent reader of the game so snuffs out attacking threats through his positional awareness rather than brute force although he’s no shrinking violet when it comes to a challenge. Think of him as a younger version of Claude Makelele but who doesn’t necessarily sit rigidly in front of the back four. He is the type of player that a number of clubs are in desperate need for including the Gunners North London rivals Tottenham. After their display at Middlesbrough, the need for a midfield anchorman was evident for all to see. Inler could well be the man to fit that role at White Hart Lane.

Inler won back to back Swiss League titles with FC Zurich and has been an integral member of the national side since making his debut in September 2006. He played in all 3 of his countries Euro 2008 games and now has 20 appearances at this level (1 goal).At 24, Inler has already plenty of experience and after impressing both in Serie A and at international level he would be a useful acquisition for many Premier League clubs though it remains to be whether it’s Arsenal, Newcastle, Everton or perhaps Spurs who win the race.

So were you impressed by his Inler’s performances at Euro 2008? Would Newcastle, Everton and Arsenal fans like your club to sign the Swiss international or are you rather ‘neutral’ about it all? Is the player exactly what your club needs? Let’s hear your views.

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Tags: Arsenal, Euro 2008, Everton, Gokhan Inler, Newcastle, Switzerland, Tottenham

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