According to the News of the World, the British
tabloid, Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has made it to
the top of Arsenal's winter wish-list.
The 22-year-old has been in scintillating form this season,
having tallied nine goals and seven assists in all
competitions while providing enormous energy whether playing in the
centre or on the flanks.
Ireland's team-mates have had no qualms in dubbing their most
important player, and some pundits have even labelled him the
most impressive performer of the Premier League campaign to
date.
Nevertheless, the Sky Blues sit just two points above the
relegation zone after 20 games, and Arsene Wenger fancies his
chances of luring the Cobh native to North London.
The Gunners' manager had been hoping to sign Mikel Arteta
from Everton, but Toffees boss David Moyes has made it perfectly
clear that his Spanish playmaker won't be leaving Goodison Park
anytime soon.
Thus, Wenger has turned to Eastlands as he seeks a
temporary replacement for Cesc Fabregas, who is sidelined at least
until March after rupturing knee ligaments in Arsenal's clash with
Liverpool last month.
City gaffer Mark Hughes will surely be reluctant to sell his
star middle-man, however, especially after Wenger insisted that
want-away defender Kolo Toure - one of Sparky's top targets
- would remain at Ashburton Grove.
So unless Toure suddenly becomes available, the chances of
Ireland arriving at the Emirates this month are very slim
indeed.
i feel he is defintely a much better player than alex song,
diaby, denilson. he is hardworking and can score goals from
midfield. i rate him similar to lampard kind of player with great
potential!!
