Though I’m not usually one to put much stock in football transfer gossip, the Mail’s claim that Arsenal are in pole position to land Ibrahim Afellay does have an air of truth about it. The 24-year-old Dutch International who currently plays for PSV has been a long term target for Arsenal. He was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners over the summer, who reportedly made a £7.5 million offer for the Dutchman’s services. Now however, Afellay has revealed that he has no intention of signing a new deal with PSV and as a result would be available as a free transfer over the summer.

Of course, we ought to take these rumours with a pinch of salt – just a couple of weeks ago the papers announced that Afellay was prepared to sign a pre-contract with Barcelona in January. Some may also wonder why it is that Arsenal would be interested in signing a player like Afellay. He’s an attacking midfielder who could play anywhere in the midfield, but isn’t this a congested enough area already for the Gunners?

Arsenal have Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Song, Jack Wilshere and the likes of Ramsey, Diaby and Denilson all seriously competing for positions in their midfield. At this stage do Arsenal really need to add another midfielder to their roster?

The reason I believe there may be a tiny speck of truth behind the claims of the Daily Mail is the current circumstances surrounding Andrey Arshavin and his contractual wrangling. There has been all too little movement on this front for quite some time now and Arshavin continues to look listless and uninterested in the red and white of Arsenal. It may well be that the two parties come to some kind of arrangement, but rumours of the little Russian’s being unsettled in London do seem to have some truth to them.

Given that there is also uncertainty regarding Cesc Fabregas’ future, it’s clear to see why Arsenal may choose to monitor the likes of Ibrahim Afellay. He’s a talented youngster, who has got pace, great vision and an eye for goal. He’s also the kind of player who you could see adapting to the Arsenal style of play without too great difficulty were he called upon to do so.

Right now, Arsenal really don’t need another attacking midfielder. They have a good number of quality players already vying for those positions and the likes of Ramsey and Eastmond waiting to make their mark in the future. However, if Arshavin doesn’t sign a new contract and Arsenal were to lose Cesc, the circumstances would change drastically for the Gunners. Afellay could be the perfect man to fill these gaps.

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