Should Arsenal Dare To Zlatan?

Last night The Mirror 'broke' the story that ageing superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being targeted as a summer signing for the misfiring Gunners. Arsenal have been in need of a world-class finisher for a number of seasons now. Despite his unquestionable quality there are some doubts over not just the veracity of this link but whether he is the type of striker Arsenal need to get the best out of Özil as the German playmaker enters his peak years.

The Swede is rumoured to favour a move to the Premier League although it has also been claimed that he will return to Milan and then Malmo before retiring. His contract at Paris Saint-Germain finishes at the end of the season and he would be available to sign on a free transfer for whomever he so chooses. As one who is delighted by a bargain he is naturally interesting Wenger however Ibrahimovic's substantial wages could prove to be a stumbling block.

It is reported his wages could cost anywhere up to £250,000 per week although they could be as 'low' as £150,000 per week. That salary range alone is enough to usually scare off Wenger but for some reason you can't shake the feeling it's a risk he would be willing to take. It's the free spin with no deposit that you can find here sort of signing that should pique Wenger's interest. £150,000 per week isn't going to hurt Arsenal and the returns are almost guaranteed. Signing Ibrahimovic is like playing with someone else's money. Very little risk, all the reward.

Even at a whopping £250,000 per week Arsenal shouldn't baulk - the impending departures of Arteta, Rosicky and Flamini will free up around £220,000 of that. There is a worry that such a high wage would see requests for parity from Özil and Alexis - who are both close to agreeing new £170,000 per week deals - which in turn would see the rest of the squad demand an increase and affect future negotiations with potential signings but there are always ways around these things.

Zlatan could come in on a reduced wage with heavy appearance bonuses knowing full well he would start or feature in most games. Some clubs, such as Besiktas in Turkey, declare player wages and bonuses and it would seem the average appearance fee over there is about €10k, Arsenal could easily double or triple the sterling equivalent for Zlatan which in 55 game season with 40 appearances could be worth as much as £1m. Throw in some goal bonuses, an inflated signing on fee and loyalty payment for his second year (if he gets one) and you've covered his £250,000 demands without obviously shattering your wage structure.

Arsenal will not be able to compete with Chelsea's wages should they throw their hat into the ring but should Ibra come to London it might not be the wages that attracts him - he's earned a fair few bob already. The Emirates could be his preferred destination as he may feel he has unfinished business with the Gunners. As a 19 year old unknown from Sweden he famously turned down Arsenal at the last minute after being affronted at Wenger's request for a trial stating "I don't do trials, you know who I am" or "Zlatan doesn't do auditions" depending on your source. Incredible hubris from a teenager but he was prescient with his own greatness and despite claims to the contrary I'm sure Wenger has kicked himself a few times over the years for not taking the chance.

Ibra was famously photographed wearing an Arsenal shirt bearing his legend and the number 9 - a number that would be available for him to take 15 years later than planned should he sign in the summer.

What do you think, should Arsenal dare to Zlatan?

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