da heads bet： According to TMW, Arsenal are interested in signing Inter Milan and Portugal star Joao Mario this January.
What’s the Story?
da gbg bet： Arsenal could capitalise on Joao Mario’s evident unpopularity with Inter Milan manager Luciano Spealletti by signing the Portuguese star for a discounted price.
Reports in Italy suggest that Inter will be willing to sell the 24-year-old for just £26million, a fraction of the £40million that the Nerazzurri paid for Mario in 2016.
How good has Joao Mario been this season?
It has been a story of real frustration for Joao Mario at the San Siro in 2017/18. A regular for Inter during their last domestic campaign, the Portuguese midfielder has been struggling to find a spot in the first team, particularly with new signings Mathias Vecino and Borja Valero impressing in the centre of the park.
Mario has made just three starts all season for Inter, with 7 late substitute appearances to boot. In that time, the former Sporting star has provided three assists but otherwise offered little.
However, his form for Portugal has been exemplary, helping his team reach the World Cup Finals with relative ease. While he may be out of favour at his club, he is a key player for his country.
Would Joao Mario be a good signing for Arsenal?
While there is no doubt that Joao Mario would be an upgrade on a number of Arsenal’s current midfield crop, the 24-year-old plays in a central attacking midfield position; a position in which the Gunners are stocked heavily.
Arsene Wenger would need to clear out some of the dead wood before Joao Mario came to the club, to ensure that the Inter man, who is valued at £27million by Transfermarkt, doesn’t become frustrated.
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