by Nia Griffiths

Arsenal could reportedly be in for Monaco’s central midfielder, Joao Moutinho, as the French team can no longer afford his wages.

The 28-year-old is apparently on £110k a week and due to Monaco’s current financial situation, it seems as if they’re looking to ship the Portuguese player off.

Although reports say we’re interested in the player and willing to fork out over £18m for him, I find this hard to believe. We all know that our midfield is already congested. We world’s top talent all vying for that central role. Therefore, why would Arsene Wenger spend £18m on a 28-year-old who also wants to play there?

It makes very little sense.

Monaco's Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho warms up prior the French L1 football match Monaco
Monaco’s Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho warms up prior the French L1 football match Monaco (ASM) vs Metz (FCM) on May 16, 2015, at the Louis II Stadium in Monaco. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (Photo credit should read JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET/AFP/Getty Images)

Moutinho featured 52 times for Monaco last season, so was a consistent feature in their first 11. Although, he only scored five goals – half of what many of midfielders score in a season. His assist rate isn’t fantastic either – eight for the whole season, which, for someone playing so centrally and costing as much as he does, isn’t great.

You’d expect more from a 28-year-old midfielder hoping to claim the central role ahead of Mesut Ozil.