Gabriel Agbonlahor has reacted to Georgino Wijnaldum’s links with Arsenal, stating he would do a wonderful job despite doubting a move will come to fruition.
Georginio Wijnaldum has had a curious season so far. Since going through all the drama of being in agreement with Barcelona before joining PSG in the summer, plenty of criticism has come his way. The suggestions were that the French giants offered more money than the Catalans at the eleventh hour to lure him away.
However, despite playing fairly regularly with the Ligue 1 giants this term, Wijnaldum has cut an unhappy figure at PSG, leading to suggestions that he could move away in the January transfer window. He is already tipped to make a return to the Premier League, with Newcastle United supposedly keen on re-signing the midfielder.
Arsenal have also been backed to make an offer, although it will depend on Mikel Arteta’s final decision over bringing in midfield reinforcements this coming winter. The Gunners were initially thinking of signing a new central midfield player as Granit Xhaka’s injury threatened to disrupt their season. Thomas Partey is also expected to be away with Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, since the dramatic early return of Xhaka, things are looking bright for Arteta and his plans. Arsenal also have Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as options, with both players performing well when called upon this term.
Now, Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Wijnaldum could be a great signing for Arsenal if he returns to the Premier League. Speaking to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker conceded the Dutchman might not end up joining the Gunners considering he might want to keep playing Champions League football, something the north Londoners cannot offer.
Agbonlahor said, “What a player. He would do a great job for Arsenal and be a huge signing. But he’s left Liverpool, who were in the Champions League, he’s gone to PSG who are in the Champions League. Does he want to go play for a team that are not in Europe? That’s the big thing and could put him off, to be honest.”
Agbonlahor’s comments do make sense, as Wijnaldum has made a habit out of excelling in the UEFA Champions League. With Arsenal in contention for a top-four finish, a summer move could be on the cards if they qualify for the top tier of European football. However, a January move to the Emirates might be unlikely unless Wijnaldum is desperate to leave PSG.