The future of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea target Victor Wanyama

20 March 2013 09:10

Reports have linked Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama, 21, with a move to Anfield after being watched extensively by scouts. The Daily Mail reports that Brendan Rodgers is interested in a summer transfer move, however he may have his work cut out for him if rumours are to be believed, as many other clubs are also after his signature.

Andrea Pirlo: “You can see he has the ability to be one of the top midfielders in Europe.”

So what makes this player so desirable?

Wanyama can play as both a centre back or a midfielder. He is predominantly suited to being a centre defensive midfielder, however has still managed to bag 10 goals for Celtic this season. The main reasons for his defensive role is his strength, he can easily hold players off the ball and is superb at protecting the centre backs behind him. To cap this off he has a calmness on the ball.

This player is still young and will only continue to grow, so for Liverpool this will be a brilliant signing, but for me I can see him moving elsewhere. Both Chelsea and Arsenal in my opinion are missing a player just like Wanyama.

Wanyama could fill the boots left by Raul Meireles at Stamford bridge and could offer that crucial link between defence and attack that has been lacking this season. Not only that he could drop into the CB role when players are injured, as Chelsea will surely see this as a weak link in their squad.

Wanyama would obviously fit a similar role at Arsenal. Arsenal have been forced to play Thomas Vermaelen at the left-back position more than once due to injuries to Kieran Gibbs. With Per Metersacker being linked with a move away from the Emirates back to the Bundesliga they would be particularly short at the back. Although Mertesacker has rubbished these rumours it would surprise me if Wenger doesn’t wish to strengthen their defence regardless of the possible movements of Mertesacker.

However Neil Lennon could become Wanyama’s worse enemy with him reportedly stating the player is worth £25 million. With Everton’s Fellaini having a suspected buy-out clause of £22 million and with other players such as Eredivisie’s Leroy Fer playing a similar role but with a smaller price tag, it would be alarming to see a club paying the £25 million for him. I can see this as being more of a ploy by Lennon to boost his potential transfer value of the player and not a realistic asking price.

Do you see Wanyama moving away from Celtic this summer, and for what fee? Share your views in the comments below.

Source: DSG