Arsenal Transfer News: Mirko Vucinic Not the Right Option for Gunners
Arsene Wenger is looking for a bargain, according to the Telegraph. However, he would also be unwise to rule out any player who could prove himself in the long term.
Mirko Vucinic is neither of those things, so Wenger should let this particular deal drift by.
When Arsenal were rumoured to be bringing in Vucinic on loan, it seemed like an excellent idea. He is 30 years old and on the downswing on his career, while Wenger is only looking for a short-term solution.
Everything looked good until Ed Malyon at the Mirror reported that the Gunners were told they would have to buy Vucinic permanently if they wished to secure the Montenegrin's services. That purchase is said to be in the region of £8 million, which is too much for a player who will never be more than a bit-part contributor.
It's understandable that Juventus wish to recoup some of the 15 million euros they paid two years ago and Vucinic still has two years remaining on his Juve contract.
He is a versatile player who could give Arsenal a few options. He reads the game well and has contributed to his side with both assists and goals. There's no denying his talent and, in parts, he has looked like a top player.
However, it is goals that the Gunners will require of him and, in this respect, Vucinic hasn't always been consistent.
A run of good games is usually followed by a run of anonymity, which has been the pattern throughout his playing days.
He has never exceeded 20 goals in a season across all competitions. His finishing has been called into question on numerous occasions. In short, Vucinic cannot be relied upon to carry an attack, even across a short run of games to cover for an injury.
Not that a small role would suit him, either. He would be looking for regular football, which cannot be guaranteed at either Juventus or Arsenal.
In addition to the worries over his consistency, he has also never played in the Premier League. Playing his first game at the age of 30, he could struggle to adapt to the physical nature of the English game.
There are just too many reasons not to sign him on a permanent deal. If Juventus are so desperate to get rid of him, they would be wise to reconsider and accept a loan deal.
In that scenario, Wenger should make the move and hope for results from Vucinic across this short period. If he succeeds, maybe the deal could be made permanent at a reduced price. If he fails, nothing is lost and other options can be considered in the summer.
While Arsenal do need some support in relief of Olivier Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner, acquiring Vucinic on a permanent deal would neither address their immediate requirements nor their long-term options.
