Santa Cruz scored 19 goals in 37 appearances for Rovers in his
debut season following a ₤3.8 million move from Bayern
Munich.
The Paraguay international signed a four-year deal upon arrival at
Ewood Park last July, but according to The Times, the
Gunners are confident of landing the 26-year-old should Adebayor
ship off in the summer.
The Togolese hitman has been linked with Barcelona recently,
amid reports new coach Josep Guardiola has targeted the 24-year-old
as his first showpiece signing.
And while the former Monaco man has insisted he is happy at the
Emirates, Barca could easily top his current ₤35,000-per-week wages
while Arsenal would be unable to match the Catalans
financially.
Flattered
The Gunners have already lost midfielder Mathieu Flamini to AC
Milan, and could also lose Aleksandr Hleb to Internazionale amid
rumours the Belarus international is unsettled in North
London.
Adebayor has already admitted to being flattered by Barca’s
interest, and he told L’Equipe recently: “It pleases me,
because it is very flattering for a young Togolese who is only 24
to see Barcelona following him. For the moment I’m very happy at
Arsenal, but we’ll see what happens next.”
Wenger would most definitely need to draft in a new line-leader
should Adebayor leave, given Eduardo’s long-term lay-off and Robin
van Persie’s continual injury problems.
And while Santa Cruz would cost considerably more than what Rovers
paid, he would be an ideal replacement given the physical
similarities between he and Adebayor.
Dein Return?
Meanwhile, Wenger has off-field issues to attend to as well,
following the departure of former managing director Keith
Edelman.
It is believed the former Monaco boss played a significant part in
the Edelman’s exit, as the two clashed frequently over financial
issues, coming to a head when the manager was denied the
opportunity to invest in the January transfer window.
And it is further understood the Frenchman will push to have close
friend David Dein reinstated at the club, after the former
vice-chairman left Arsenal in acrimonious circumstances just over a
year ago.
Dein was supportive of American business Stan Kroenke’s plans to
take over the Gunners, but met fierce opposition from certain
members of the board, especially Edelman.
But as foreign-owned Manchester United and Chelsea continue to
dominate the Premier League, the higher-ups at the Emirates have
come around to the idea of a takeover, and may push Kroenke’s bid
as opposed to that of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
Unfortunately, Dein has teamed up with Usmanov since leaving the
club, but he may be will to resign as chairman of the investment
group Red and White Holdings should he be offered the opportunity
to return to Arsenal.
i would not mind Santa Cruz coming