“Sky Sports understands Arsenal have agreed a fee with Caen for hot-shot M’Baye Niang, but face competition from Manchester City for his signature.” – SkySports.com
Niang playing for his team Caen last season
It is understood that Arsenal have agreed a fee with French Ligue 1 hot-shot M’Baye Niang. After spending a week at the London Colney training ground, Wenger has decided he is good enough to make an offer for. After snubbing Tottenham, who also made an offer for the highly rated 17 year old, it is understood that both Milan and Manchester City are interested.
Personally I do not see why he would go to City, they don’t have a history for raising talented youngsters, where Arsenal, on the other hand, do it time after time. Also, Milan could be a threat with their star Striker Ibrahimovic on his way out, with a move to PSG. Therefore they may feel the need to rebuild their squad, with another striker with huge potential.
News earlier on this week linked Arsenal with the deal, valuing it around £5-£7 million. Although, the deal is not complete yet, it seems likely with the player rejecting a trial at rival club Tottenham. Although last season, the 6ft striker did not score many in his 23 appearances, he has been on Wenger’s watchlist for a few seasons now.
Although predominantly a target man, Niang can also play Attacking midfield, with pace and skill, he likes to play a lot of short passes, but also likes to take long range shots, perhaps something Arsenal need to learn to do! As well as being a good attacker, he is also strong at winning the ball back, which unfortunately lead to him making over 30 fouls last season, receiving 2 yellow cards in his league. He also plays for France’s U21 side, further proving his fast development, at just 17 he has a bright future ahead.
In my opinion, this would be a brilliant addition to the squad, especially with the departure of Carlos Vela earlier today. Niang offers hieght, strength and skill, not to mention he is only 17 and playing in the French first league, (although they are now relegated) as well as the French under 21′s. If he does join Arsenal, I can see, yet again, another future star in Wenger’s hands.
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