Jesse Lingard of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Manchester United at Vicarage Road on December 22, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
According to The Athletic (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal cannot be ruled out in the race to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard.
Academy graduate Lingard most likely seems to be moving towards an Old Trafford exit with the player failing to register a Premier League goal or assist since December 2018. The current season has been a disastrous campaign for the 27-year-old winger, who has scored and assisted just twice despite appearing 35 times for the Red Devils.
Also, the arrival of Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes in January has put him further down the pecking order in a team that already has two other attacking midfielders and ample wingers.
Despite, the squad filled with so many talents, Lingard had been offered several opportunities this season alone by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Englishman has consistently failed to impress. Thus, he looks surplus to the club’s requirements.
Arsenal have two attacking midfielders in Dani Ceballos and Mesut Ozil, however, the club faces a major problem this coming summer. Spaniard Ceballos is expected to return to his parent club Real Madrid after his loan stint ends this season, while, veteran Ozil has looked like a shadow of his former self.
Ceballos’ future remains uncertain with the Madrid playmaker having one of the worst phases of his career since arriving at Emirates. He has been mostly on the sidelines after getting injured and has had fitness related issues throughout the season.
Ozil, a World Cup winner with Germany, on the other hand, seems to have lost his touch and has managed just two assists in the league so far. Considering all this, the possibility of a move for an attacker like Lingard cannot be entirely ruled off.
However, Arsenal would be taking a gamble by spilling their cash on Lingard, whose form has hit a downward spiral since last season. His poor figures from last season are a testament to the fact that he cannot be an entirely reliable customer.
Hence, it would be wise of the Gunners to rather wait and go in pursuit of a proven playmaker with the club clearly in need of an established star, who could help them improve their performance next season.
Ceballos’ departure and Ozil’s slip in form is a real concern for Arsenal who have a dearth of quality playmakers. However, Lingard, who in recent times has failed to put up a decent display, does not seem like the best of options for a struggling side such as Arsenal.
