Arsenal Transfer Rumors: How Ibrahim Afellay Would Fit Plans for 2012-13 Squad
Ibrahim Afellay has been a solid player for Barcelona in his short La Liga career, but he has yet to make a legacy. Though, there is now the possibility that he could try to do just that with Arsenal instead.
Afellay made his debut for Barcelona in 2011 and played well, but an injury forced him to miss much of the last season.
Now, Afellay is out of place for Barca and no longer has a guaranteed spot on the team, prompting the club to field offers.
The 26-year-old midfielder is being pursued by Arsene Wenger to join the gunners for 2012-13, according to Brandon Netto of Goal.com.
Arsenal joins the chase for Afellay, who is already being courted by Inter. Arsenal's opportunity to play in the Champions League next season could be a deciding factor for Afellay—Inter did not qualify for next season's competition.
The move, however, is likely part of a larger scheme for Wenger and the Gunners.
One of Afellay's biggest supporters is Robin Van Persie. The two have played together for the Dutch National Team and could possibly want to extend their partnership to the club level.
A signing of Afellay would do wonders for Arsenal's courtship of Van Persie. With another midfielder brought in to win, Van Persie could be persuaded to return to Arsenal.
On the field, Afellay will have a good chance to start due to the departures of Andrey Arshavin and Yossi Benayoun.
If it is just a change of scenery that will bring Afellay success, Arsenal has a chance to make a move that could prove vital to a championship season.
