Former footballer turned pundit, Stan Collymore, has urged Arsène Wenger to make a superstar move for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale so if you’re wondering why people are talking about Bale to Arsenal – this is why – Stan bloody Collymore.
Bale has missed a significant portion of the La Liga season with troublesome calf and ankle injuries, the most severe of which saw him ruled out for three months in November.
Currently recovering from another calf injury, the former Spurs man has netted nine goals and created five assists in all competitions this season – which is a respectable tally given his distinct lack of minutes in comparison to previous years.
Having broke the world’s transfer record by joining for £85m in September of 2013, Bale has developed his game significantly and also won five club honours at the Bernabeu to date.
Collymore has stated his belief that Arsenal must spend big on a ‘game-changer’ if they are willing to break their wage structure to retain both Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil beyond their existing deals.
As quoted by the Daily Star he said, “Gunners supporters need a cuddle and a bucket-load of reassurance. But most of all they need a marquee signing to prove they are capable of challenging the best. I would think big and approach Real Madrid for the services of Gareth Bale – if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
“It’s touch and go whether the forward would want to swap the Bernabeu for the Emirates but if Arsenal are serious about climbing back up the table they need to attract a game-changer,” Collymore continued.
“Yes, he’s an ex-Spurs player but Gunners need to make a statement. What better way to do so than by bringing Bale back to the Premier League?”
Bale previously revealed he’d be open to a Tottenham return once his stay at Real was over and although Manchester United are also rumoured to be monitoring the Welshman’s situation, it’d be a refreshing change to see Arsenal challenge their rivals for a marquee player’s signature.
They won’t however. And I doubt Bale would join Arsenal either.