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Arsenal have been linked with a move for French international Clement Grenier, and a January move for the Lyon midfielder may be on the cards. While the 23-year old yesterday denied looking for a move to the Premier League, but here’s a look at three reasons why the Gunners should break the bank to sign Grenier.
1. Creative influence
Grenier has been a creative force at Lyon this season and already has 3 assists to his name to go with 27 key passes in the league and in Europe. He has been head and shoulders above the rest of the Lyon midfield in terms of creativity and has created 9 more chances than Yoann Gourcuff, his nearest competitor, who has created 15 chances in Ligue 1.
2. Goals from midfield
Grenier over the last couple of seasons has scored goals from midfield. He has scored 3 in Ligue 1 and one each in Champions League qualification and the Europa League, and considering that Arsenal lack a world class striker in their ranks, these goals might turn out to be crucial if Grenier does join the Gunners.
The interesting thing about Grenier’s goals has been the fact that most of them have been very important ones. Of the five goals that he has scored this season, four have put Lyon in front while it was the case for three out of the seven goals he scored last season. With a knack for getting on the scoresheet at crucial times, Lyon have never been on the losing side when Grenier has scored, suggesting his importance to the team.
3. Replacement for Rosicky
Tomas Rosicky has been an irresistible figure when fit and has always been Wenger’s go to man during big games for the past couple of years. However, the 33-year old’s contract is running out this summer, and although his contract might be extended for another year, it’s time to look for a permanent replacement for the Czech. He missed almost half of last season due to an Achilles injury and made only 16 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, scoring 3 goals and making one assist.
This season, fitness has been less of a worry compared to form, managing a goal and an assist in 20 appearances for the club so far. With Grenier yet to be an established star, Wenger may be able to get him on the cheap and polish this diamond in the rough, a task he takes great pride in. (His current market value stands at €8Million)
