Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tends to find hidden gems across Europe and then polishes them up for the Premier League at the Emirates.
Normally he likes working with younger players, and being able to develop them as he sees fit to get them to play ‘The Arsenal Way.’
But as his side battle for the title, perhaps Wenger realises that his side need the experience of a man who is a multiple title-winner, and, despite being well into his 30s, could still have lots to offer the Londoners next term.
According to the Daily Mirror, Wenger has been a long term admirer of Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, and this summer will make his fourth attempt to sign the 34-year-old.
Carrick, of course, has been at Old Trafford for more than a decade now, but the playmaker has not been offered a new contract before his deal runs out this summer.
The former Tottenham man has been targeted by Wenger three times over the last number of years but has rejected a move to the Gunners on each occasion.
This doesn’t seem to have discouraged Wenger – who tried to sign Carrick before he moved from West Ham to Tottenham, and again prior to his move to Manchester United – who is hopeful of snapping up the Newcastle native this summer for nothing as he begins a midfield clear-out of Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky.
Carrick is likely to be in high demand with suggestions he may move to the MLS or perhaps even PSG unless he gets a new contract.