Arsene Wenger has said he tried to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan two years ago, before he joined Manchester United, and says he can see himself using the Armenian as a deeper-lying central midfielder.
“Yeah, I met him at the time,” Wenger said. “At the time we were close, but in in the end it didn’t work.”
Wenger acknowledged that the rough patch may have affected Mkhitaryan’s confidence, but that he has no doubts the midfielder will seize the opportunity at Arsenal.
“Yes of course, you worry about how much it as affected him. But as well it’s a new chance for him,” Wenger said. “What you want in life is a new chance, he gets a new chance to show his quality and I’m sure he will take it. I might have to analyse with him how it went, and how we can help him.”
“Personally I see him first wide, but I’m thinking about as well that for him it’s a possibility to play through the middle,” Wenger said. “[As a No. 10] or even deeper.”
And Wenger admitted he won’t be able to fit all of his midfield talent into the line-up, but said the great players all thrive on having competition.
“Some will have to be in and out. But on the other hand, we have seen that Ramsey has been out many times, Wilshere as well. We play in many competitions. You have a number [of players] you can fit in,” Wenger said.
“In football teams there is a number that pushes you, a number that makes you asleep and a number that paralyses you. So you have to find the right number in each squad to have a fair competition.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate