Arsenal’s short term hopes of signing Milan’s young French star M’Baye Niang have been dealt a blow, after the forward reportedly agreed to join Ligue 1 strugglers Montpellier on a six month loan deal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was rumoured to be preparing a bid to sign the player permanently from the Italian club in January, according to TalkSport. The Premier League front runners were also reported to be facing stiff competition from several clubs across Europe for his signature, however it appears Montpellier have secured the France under 21 international’s immediate future.
Niang has caught Wenger’s eye before, and has had a trial with the London club previously, in addition to trials at rivals Tottenham and Everton, prior to signing for Milan in 2012. The teenager previously played for French club, Caen.
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The player is a typical fit of the Arsene Wenger style of striker, with capability of playing either as a central striker or as a winger. Niang’s flexibility would have meant that he could grow into the Arsenal system quite comfortably as he matured, but with the news of the Montpellier move surfacing it appears that Wenger will have to wait until the summer at the earliest to get his man.
Does Wenger need a player like Niang at the moment, or should he concentrate on getting a more established name to add to his striking options? Join the debate @FootyMatters
