Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Should Acquire Yoann Gourcuff

Looking to bolster a squad that has underwhelmed lately, Arsenal can start mending its roster by obtaining Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff.

According to ESPN UK, the 26-year-old with two years remaining on his contract is seeking a change of scenery.

The ESPN report states that Arsenal, who has eyed the Frenchman's services in the past, has piqued Gourcuff's interests. He has issued a "come and get me plea" to the Gunners, who have cash to spend during the transfer period.

His career has not unfolded according to plan. A bounty of expectations was bestowed on Gourcuff early in his career, with Zinedine Zidane set as a comparison.

Gourcuff set the bar high, capturing the French Player of the Year award and leading Bordeaux to a title in 2008-09. He has since struggled to replicate that glory, mustering three goals and two assists through 18 French Ligue 1 matches during the 2012-13 season.

The results have not been as evident lately, but Gourcuff is still a world-class talent who can provide a much-needed spark for Arsene Wenger's club. 

At his finest, Gourcuff can hang with the big boys, displaying technique on the field while also boasting a complementing flare to his game. He can provide a highlight-reel goal while also making sound plays for his teammates.

Wenger has been a Gourcuff fan for a while, nearly making a push for him last summer before acquiring 28-year-old Santi Cazorla instead. The club manager told the Daily Mail that he needed immediate production in the midfield.

"I was interested in Yoann Gourcuff because at one time he was available," Wenger said last summer. "Unfortunately, we were in a hurry. We had to have players performing soon."

That move has worked out swimmingly, as Cazorla's 12 goals ranks second among all Gunners. A year later, Wenger should still revisit Gourcuff, whose upside would be welcomed for a club sitting in Manchester United's shadow.

Such a flier may be just what the doctor ordered. This club needs a shot in the arm. Arsenal could take this opportunity to pounce on a tremendous talent at a bargain.