Gokhan Inler: Is Arsenal’s Reluctance to Sign the Swiss Star a Big Mistake?
Udinese midfielder has been the subject of much interest from the Premier League during the summer with Everton, Newcastle and Arsenal heavily linked to the Swiss sensation. However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has distanced himself from a January transfer window move for the player despite confirming he was interested in signing the defensive midfield star in the last window. This week he declared when asked about his intentions to sign the Udinese player “Yes, in the summer,” but importantly stating, “But not any more.”
Inler’s agent Dino Lambertini had previously claimed in the summer that he was planning to meet Arsenal representatives to discuss a £10m move to North London. He announced to the press, “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.”
The player would have been a like for like replacement for Mathieu Flamini who left the club to join AC Milan and may well have been the ideal summer signing as Wenger’s side have struggled to keep pace with the league leaders after 5 defeats midway into the season as the Gunners find themselves lying 5th in the table. Arsenal’s lack of interest to fill the void left by Flamini may well leave the North Londoners with another barren year without silverware.
It’s of no surprise the player was linked to Premier League 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. This season the Swiss star has made 17 League appearances (16 starts) as Udinese started the campaign in impressive style. However, since that start the team has struggled and has found themselves languishing in 12th position after a run of 8 games without a win.
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. Harry Redknapp’s need for a midfield enforcer has been evident for all to see.
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 26 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 is surprising that Arsenal have not followed up their interest in a player that may well have turned their season on its head.
So were you impressed by his Inler’s performances at Euro 2008? Do you think Arsene Wenger’s reluctance to splash the cash on a midfield enforcer such as Inler has seriously damaged Arsenal’s chances of silverware this season? Is the player exactly what your club needs? Let’s hear your views.
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Tags: Arsenal, Everton, Gokhan Inler, Newcastle, Switzerland, Udinese
