Arsenal seem to finally be awakening from their summer transfer slumber, wheeling and dealing to fill the club's needs. The Gunners have been linked to everyone from Phil Jagielka to Gary Cahill to Chris Samba over the last few weeks, and the club seems more and more likely to open the bidding on their top targets in the near future.
Most recently, though, manager Arsene Wenger has turned his attention to a need at centre-half, where many feel Alex Song isn't quite the quality of player the Gunners need alongside Jack Wilshere in the centre of the midfield.
So, according to a Metro Sport report, the Gunners have set their sights on Wigan Athletic standout James McCarthy to bolster their midfield's play next season.
The 20-year-old Irish international was one of the few bright spots on the Latics roster last season, developing into a solid, reliable playmaker in Wigan's midfield as the club successfully dodged relegation.
With Arsenal in the market for a replacement for Alex Song, McCarthy has found himself on Wenger's radar. His pace, tackling and offensive skills make him one of the most balanced young midfielders in the sport, and he'd make an excellent addition to a Gunner midfield already laden with talent, assuming Wenger gives him regular starts.
But, there's a hitch for the Gunners. Wigan have shown no interest in selling the 20-year-old midfield talent, having rebuffed an Arsenal bid earlier this summer, and it could be that McCarthy just isn't for sale right now.
Arsenal aren't the only club in the race, as Liverpool had reportedly had an active interest in grabbing the Irish international as well. But many think the Reds won't be a major threat when you consider the logjam they're facing in the midfield already, and McCarthy is unlikely to want to join the cluttered situation at Anfield.
Finally, there's the depth issue to consider at Emirates. With Song, Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey already at Emirates, there's a strong chance that McCarthy could get shunted to the bench upon his arrival at Arsenal. Something tells me the Irish midfielder isn't going to jump from Wigan to sit on the bench at Arsenal (although he's talented enough to usurp Song's spot in the roster).
In the end, while McCarthy would be a solid fit at Arsenal, assuming Wenger gives him Song's spot on the roster. He's a promising young player, and one who could thrive at Emirates, but I'm not sure whether this move will actually happen. If Wenger can assure McCarthy that he's going to get regular playing time in the midfield despite the slight clutter, the Gunners stand a great chance of getting him. If the Frenchman can't promise that, don't expect to see the Irish international in a Gunners kit next season.
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