Arsène Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal are considering a move for the Lille forward Eden Hazard this summer.
Hazard, who turned 20 today, is already a Belgium international and though not a prolific goalscorer, his speed and exceptional technique mean he is an obvious fit for Arsenal. The player said this week that, with clubs from all over Europe courting him, he dreams of moving to Ashburton Grove. "Let us try to make his dream come true," Wenger said when told of the player's ambition.
Wenger does not intend to bid for Hazard during the January transfer window but he confirmed that Arsenal are monitoring him, while he also ruled out buying a new centre-back if Thomas Vermaelen returns as expected next month following a long-term achilles injury. "We are following him," Wenger said. "Personally I think he has real talent and the level needed to play at Arsenal. But in the offensive department we have many players. At the end of the season we'll have a look at the situation."
Vacancies could arise in the Arsenal squad if Carlos Vela and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas leave in the summer. Wenger expects both players to go out on loan this month while Nicklas Bendter has indicated that he will leave unless he gets more playing time. Arsenal hope to secure Samir Nasri to a long-term deal over the coming months, having begun talks on extending the Frenchman's contract, which expires in the summer of 2012.
Vela, Bendtner and Arshavin can all go if they have to to make this one happen.
Seriously though, that was a new level of lethargy from this team. Yeah, just don't show up ffor 80 minutes. The reason Barca rape and pillage teams is they do it relentlessly for 90 minutes, not whenever they have to else be booed by the crowd.