A Macedonian Solution?? ????? ?????? Or Goran Pandev

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 began his career with FK Belasica, where he progressed through the youth academy. After only one season in the local Prva Liga he was signed by ‘Serie A’ giants Internazionale in 2001 at just 18 years of age. Inter loaned him to Spezia, where he was a regular in Serie C and then to newly promoted Ancona. In 2004 on a co-ownership deal, Stankovic was exchanged by Inter from Lazio for Pandev. He impressed in his first year with 29 appearances, scoring three goals. Lazio opted to purchase Pandev's full contract in 2006, bidding 4 million euros for Udinese's share in the contract, which they had bought from Inter. 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 :

Last season he scored 15 goals in 37 appearances and bagged the Coppa Italia. In all he has played 134 times for Lazio, scored 51 goals. He maybe described as  a play making forward. Not someone you could compare with Arshavin, however, very energetic, hard working and skillful. He usually plays behind the lead striker, and is comfortable playing anywhere across the midfield right up to support striker.

At Lazio and Macedonia he is usually given a free role, to cash in on his versatility. He is a pretty decent finisher and one that is not afraid to pull the trigger whenever in a scoring position. Not known for his heading skills either, however having a decent height he can be useful at that. Some of his videos show him being decent with headers but nothing out of the ordinary. He can take a physical battle and is quick too.

I was wondering why a man of his talent does not have more goals to his name? And since my evaluation of the player is based solely on what I have read about him and youtube videos, I believe its probably because he is more of a play maker than a lead striker. However, if given the role of the lead striker I am confident he will take on the task with ease.

Arsenal and Pandev:

It would be too early to decide on whether this deal is possible or not, until either the rumours are quashed or the real target announced by Wenger (in his subtle way). However, I believe he would make a great transfer for Arsenal.

He would bring leadership, experience, skill and fit in well at the Emirates since with his link play. Being from a physical and defensive league, he would also give us that little extra we need against physical teams that focus on shutting us out rather than pushing us back.

Please express your views and feel free to correct me anywhere you feel fit. All criticism will be gladly accepted. Thank you for reading.