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“He was an Arsenal supporter”: Sky journalist suggests PL winning midfielder would like to join the Gunners

Shamanth Jayaram

Wed 12 January 2022 6:45, UK

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was an Arsenal fan as a kid.

The Dutchman, who won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, left them for the French giants last summer. Things haven’t really gone to plan for him in Paris as he has started just 10 times in the league.

Multiple reports have linked Wijnaldum with a return to the Premier League and Arsenal have been credited with an interest. ()

The Gunners are in desperate need of a new midfielder and if their interest in Wijnaldum is genuine, Mikel Arteta is set to receive a huge boost.

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Wijnaldum would be happy to play for Arsenal one day

Speaking about the Wijnaldum situation, Solhekol said on yesterday: “The information we’ve had is that the player would be open to returning to the Premier League. He just wants to play.

“About Arsenal and Gini Wijnaldum, I’ve been told Arsenal are one of his favourite clubs – when he was growing up, he was an Arsenal supporter. I think he would be more than happy to play for Arsenal one day.

“I’m not saying it’s going to happen this month. But, they are definitely a club who are close to his heart.”

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Should Arsenal sign Wijnaldum?

Arsenal almost have no options in central midfield at the moment.

Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are away on international duty at AFCON while Granit Xhaka is out with COVID. Ainsley Maitland-Niles was loaned out to Roma a few weeks ago, which leaves just Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is in his first-ever season in the Premier League.

Young Charlie Patino is another option and he is an exceptional talent. However, he is not ready for the top level just yet and it was evident in the FA Cup last weekend.

A player of Wijnaldum’s quality, if available on loan until the end of the season, would be an excellent option. He is versatile, incredibly talented and knows the Premier League very well. To top it all off, he’s an Arsenal fan, which will sit well with Gooners at the Emirates.

Wijnaldum would be brilliant for Arsenal, but whether PSG will let him go is unclear at this moment.