(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
With the close to done deal of Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, Arsene Wenger is understood to be looking to replace him with an experienced and imposing striker, to maintain the attacking depth in the current squad. Rumours suggest that Goran Pandev is back on his radar.
Earlier reports seem to indicate a move for Morrocan Striker Marouane Chamakh from Brodeaux, however Bordeaux's asking price of 7million euros and Sylvestre in exchange for their striker, seems to have put Wenger off. Therefore, he is now reported to have renewed his interest in Lazio's striker, Goran Pandev.
Player Profile:
D.O.B. - July 27, 1983 (age 25)
Height - 1.84 m (6 ft 1⁄2 in)
Nationality - Macedonian
Position - Striker/ Attacking Midfielder
Player's History :
Pandev, so far, has 44 caps for his country, scoring 15 goals, and is currently taking charge for Macedonia to reach their first ever FIFA World Cup.
Player's Situation :
Initially Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea all showed interest in the hit man, however, he opted to remain in Rome and see out his contract till 2010. Recent developments indicate the 25-year-old’s current deal with the Eternal City club runs out in a year and has refused to pen an extension, along with handing in a transfer request.
Claudio Lotito, the Lazio chief has acknowledged the player’s decision and labelled a €19 million price tag on his head. Apparently offers from Napoli and Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg have been rejected in recent weeks.
Pandev told Sky Italia: “My cycle with Lazio is over. I want to find other motivations and go and play for another team. I have spoken to (club president Claudio) Lotito and I explained to him the situation. The president wasn't happy. He still doesn't believe that I want to go away, but I am finished with Lazio. I hope Lotito finds a solution that makes us all happy. I have spent five wonderful years with Lazio. I have improved a lot and I always behaved well. In the last few months I wasn't all that focused. I thought Lotito would ask me to renew my contract and now I have decided to go away.”
He is rumoured to be priced at 17 Million Pounds but his agent suggests 13.5 million pounds maybe enough to prize him from Lazio. Juventus are thought to be considering him as a potential target if David Trezeguet decides to leave.
Major Career Performances and Milestones :
2004 - memorable effort away to Juventus where he beat Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta, before beating Gianluigi Buffon with an angled shot.
2007 - Scored a brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
2008/2009 - Coppa Italia with Lazio.
2009 - Scored his first hatrick againt Serie A club Regina.
2009 - Awarded the Medal for Service to the Country by the President of the Republic of Macedonia.
Last Season and Player Description :
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