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发表于 2010-10-13 18:46 · 未知
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Arsenal are continuing to spy on rising Ipswich Town star Connor Wickham as they weigh up a move for the highly regarded teenager, Goal.com UK can reveal.
Arsene Wenger has sent his scouting network to assess Wickham, regarded as one of the hottest young properties in English football, on at least four occasions this season.
Arsenal have jumped ahead of Tottenham in the battle for 17-year-old although Manchester United and Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs continuing to monitor his progress.
It is understood that Ipswich value Wickham at ?0 million, which has put off Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who prefers to invest substantial funds in proven talent.
Privately, Ipswich, who are fifth in the Championship and have promotion ambitions, admit that a transfer is inevitable but they are keen to hang on to the powerful striker until at least next summer.
“Ipswich are going to play hardball and fight hard to keep him,” a club source said. “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.”
Colchester-born 6ft 3in Wickham has not scored for Ipswich this season after suffering an injury that kept him out of the club’s opening six games, but the last five of his seven appearances for his club have been as a substitute.
The youngest first-team player in Ipswich’s history, who has been mainly used as an impact substitute by manager Roy Keane, was one of the key figures as England were crowned European Under-17 champions in May. He scored both goals in the semi-final win over France and then followed it up with the winner against Spain in the final.
“Arsenal are looking at him but they don’t normally make rash decisions,” an Arsenal source told Goal.com UK. “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 is regarded as so special because he has pace and athleticism to go with his imposing frame.
“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.” |
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