Gunners linked with Argentine
Monday, 02 August 2004
by Peter ORourke
Arsenal are reported to be pondering a move for Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be considering the River Plate star as a possible replacement for Patrick Vieira should he leave for Real Madrid.
Mascherano is regarded as one of the best young players in Argentina after helping River Plate to win their domestic championship last season.
The 20-year-old, who recently broke into the international set-up, also impressed at last month's Copa America.
Mascherano is a tough-tackling midfielder and would be an ideal option to take over from Vieira at Highbury if he does leave.
Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna are also keen on Mascherano as they see the South American as a possible successor to veteran midfielder Mauro Silva.
Deportivo are believed to have tabled a €6 million bid for the player, although River Plate president Jose Maria Aguilar insists he has received no approaches for Mascherano.
"I have had no contact that is important," said Aguilar.
so we wont be getting this guy :down: