Could These 2 Owens be the Solution for Arsenal?

By Nick Lander

Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves. Both England internationals, both free agents. Both players Arsenal should move for?

 

Owen Hargreaves was released by Manchester City after one season at the club, which he had joined following four injury plagued years across town with Manchester United. The 31-year-old has 40 England caps and was the star of England's 2006 World Cup campaign, signing for United for £17m off the back of it. Certainly one of England's finest talents if he can stay fit and rediscover his form of 2006, Hargreaves could be a real asset for the Gunners, especially as they are on the hunt for a new midfielder, after Alex Song left for Barcelona.

 

Despite barely featuring for Roberto Mancini's side last season, he only made four appearances, Hargreaves did have a virtually injury-free campaign, missing only a week in October after getting kicked in the calf in training. Canadian born Hargreaves managed to play in about 30 training matches in his final four months at City, something which gives positive signals to potential clubs.

 

Despite having only managed to make more than 20 league appearances in a season five times so far in his career, I believe that Hargreaves would be more than worth a gamble, were the club to look to sign him on a pay-as-you-play deal, say offering £25k per week basic plus an additional £30k if he plays.

 

I would make a move for Michael Owen on similar terms too. The 32-year-old striker was released by Manchester United at the end of 2011/12, having bagged 17 goals in 49 appearances for the Red Devils over the last three seasons, which is a very good record for someone used infrequently and generally as a substitute.

 

The Gunners are still in the market for a striker, with Nicklas Bendtner on the verge of a move to Italy and a club for Ju-Young Park still being sought, and England international Owen could be of use to the club, as he would count as a home-grown player in their Premier League squad - something which is adding complications to the club's current transfer business - and has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League. Surely worth a pay-as-you-play deal! Were Arsene Wenger to decide to move for Owen, he would have to fend off interest from Stoke and Everton, which could force the striker's wages up to a level that just is not worth the risk.

 

Whilst I highly doubt that either of these signings will happen, they are two extremely valid options in my opinion.

 

Whatever happens, the end of the transfer window is set to be very exciting from an Arsenal perspective, with 3 or 4 new players expected, plus a number of players leaving. You keep track of it all by liking the N5 Blog on Facebook and following me on Twitter - @Goonernl

 

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