Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: 27th October 2020. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0731-0072
According to Football.london, Arsenal could be presented with the chance to sign Georginio Wijnaldum. The midfielder, who is out of contract next summer, is very likely to leave Liverpool. Barcelona were credited with the strongest interest in the player in the summer and still remain in the hunt. Arsenal could enter the race now that the opportunity has presented itself.
The 29-year-old Dutch midfielder started his youth career at Sparta Rotterdam in 1997 and moved to Feyenoord after 7 years. In the next few seasons, he progressed through the youth teams. Finally, he was promoted to the senior side in 2007.
In 135 appearances, he scored 25 goals and assisted 11 goals (source – Transfermarkt) before leaving for PSV Eindhoven in 2011. He went on to make over 150 appearances for PSV. A surprise move to Newcastle followed in 2015. Despite Newcastle getting relegated at the end of the season, Wijnaldum returned to the Premier League with Liverpool in the following season.
He has made 200 appearances for the Reds, scoring 19 goals and assisting 16 more. The midfielder has scored some vital goals for Liverpool over the last few seasons like the brace in the second leg against Barcelona in 2019. He is a regular for the national team with 62 appearances and 15 goals to date.
The Gunners have endured one of the worst starts to a league campaign with the club sitting in 12th place. The worst part has been their gameplay. Scoring a measly 9 goals in 9 games paints a grim picture for a team that boasts of the likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Willian.
Another problem of theirs has been the lack of goals from midfield. The likes of Partey and Elneny aren’t the best options when it comes to contributing in the final third. They need someone who is dynamic enough to contribute at both ends of the pitch but most importantly in the opposition half.
Wijnaldum is one of the best utility players available at this point. He can fit into a variety of midfield roles. The Gunners could use a player like that. He should have no problems adjusting to the style of play.
Arsenal should vie for his signature in January or next summer. He would likely cost less given he is in the last year of his current contract and save them a fortune. On the up, Geroginio Wijnaldum looks like a fantastic signing if Arsenal can pull it off.
