There have been good steady rumours about Arsenal plotting a possible move for troublemaker striker Mario Balotelli in the summer and there are good chances that Wenger would go for the Italian with a £27million bid and a possible £180,000-a-week offer for the Italian. But many people consider it more of a gamble by the French manager, who needs a striker desperately. Here are the pros and cons of the transfer.
Pros:
Deadly Finisher
Mario Balotelli is a deadly finisher, he has had 26 goals in 43 matches for Milan in the league and with a consistent scoring record and great technique, Balotelli is one top class striker who could benefit any team with his talent. Balotelli recently showed his poaching skills with a well taken header against England in Italy’s World Cup Opener.
Young and has potential.
Mario Balotelli is very young, as he is only 23 and has a lot of potential and has already proved himself to be one of the deadliest goalscorers around. Arsene Wenger has the experience to handle young players, irrespective of their attitude and behavior and has mentored them to get the best out of them. Moreover, if Wenger is really confident and desperate to sign him, then we can be sure that Arsenal have strong plans for the youngster.
Balotelli has EPL Experience
Balotelli has played in the Premier League with Manchester City and has had all sorts of experiences on and off the pitch. He would not take much time to settle down and has scored goals in the league. He fits the physical demands perfectly and there are some great passers and playmakers in Arsenal who can make chances for him to finish.
Cons:
Troublemaker, always.
He is a troublemaker as he is constantly in the media’s limelight and has a history of mischief and troubles caused. The striker is immature and loves to be a bit more naughty than the usual limit which we can imagine. Balotelli left the Premier League after having a bust up with his previous manager Roberto Mancini after the manager confronted him regarding his rash challenge on Scott Sinclair, to which Balotelli said ‘he wanted to injure him, so that he gets a reason to be benched’.
May not always work hard on the pitch.
Balotelli has a tendency to be a pure poacher and not bending his back for his team-mates. So unlike Giroud who comes out of his comfort zone and tries to link up with his team-mates, Balotelli would rather try to shoot or squander possession. He is very moody and has on field disciplinary issues as well. With Balotelli in the centre, Wenger may have to change some key attributes of his philosophy and not involve him in moves, but create chances for him only, instead.
Balotelli has undoubted talent and in the author’s opinion, the transfer can be a great deal for Arsenal because of the manager’s experience and good nature. Arsene Wenger is a flexible manager and would accommodate a world class finisher in the team and look to get back to the old days when Arsenal were one of the best teams and firm contenders for the league title.