Some readers have asked what Wenger’s winger wish-list might be.
In May, it might have been this :
1. Franck Ribery : went to Bayern in June for an initial £17.5 million. Arsene could not afford him.He wanted to come.He was what AW really, really wanted.A phenomenal player – brave, exciting, spectacular.
2. Robinho would fit in well but he’s no finisher.
3. Ricardo Quaresma will go to Arsenal or Liverpool for £12 million, at least.
4. Royston Drenthe is gifted but unproven .
Myself, I’d sign Quaresma if I could afford him.
I’ve followed RQ’s career after seeing him score an amazing goal in a youth tournament. Like Simao, he went to Barcelona from Sporting too young and didn’t make it there and went back to Porto.Chunkily strong, he can hold off opponents as he dribbles and he can attack on both flanks, cross a decent ball, and hit swerving shots.
I like the boy a lot, partly because, for a winger, he’s a good team player, There’s more to come from him. His next move is the most important of his career and Arsenal would be better for him than Liverpool.
But – it has to be said – I’m biased towards Portugal, having had about 15 happy holidays there.