Arsenal are reportedly ready to open their wallets for Ipswich starlet Connor Wickham and snatch him under the noses of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been busying his scouts on several trips to assess the potential of Wickham, who has hit the headlines constantly since leading the England Under 17’s to the European Championship title in May, while impressing during his few appearances for the Championship club.
Ipswich are reportedly slapping a minimum price tag of £10 million on the youngster and that has turned Spurs boss Harry Redknapp off, who has decided to spend his limited funds on proven talent instead.
While Ipswich are resigned to seeing Wickham leave sooner rather than later, Roy Keane is hoping to keep the striker for at least until the end of the season.
“Ipswich are going to play hardball and fight hard to keep him,” a club source reportedly told Goal. “They will want the maximum return they can and the best chance of that is a bidding war involving the big clubs. One possibility is a move in January with a loan back until the end of the season.”
Wickham became the club’s youngest first team player but has mainly been used as a substitute this season as he made his way back from an injury that ruled him out for part of the early season. Keane has also been cover not to expose the striker too much for now and has tried to play down the hype surrounding his prized asset.
“Arsenal are looking at him but they don’t normally make rash decisions,” an Arsenal source said. “They like to be sure in what they’re getting.
“They always want to have plenty of views and want to know warts and all of what they are getting. I would be surprised if he goes in January. Next summer is more likely.”
Wickham has caught the eye increasingly due to the rare blend of physical stature, pace and athleticism.
“Apart from his physical attributes, which are there for everybody to see, he is quick, which you don’t always get with big guys,” added the Arsenal source. “Connor Wickham is good at holding the ball up although at that age there are bound to be rough edges. Balls sometimes bounce off him that shouldn’t do. For his size, he can improve his heading as well, which is about timing.
“Clubs like Arsenal will be looking for a rounded package, somebody who can fit into their technical passing style. They will not want moves to break down or slowed down by a striker who is not in tune with the midfielders.”
Tags: Arsenal, Connor Wickham, English League Championship, English Premier League, Ipswich Town, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, transfer news
