London – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to make a shock £10million move for Liverpool’s out-of-favour winger Stewart Downing in the January transfer window.
Wenger was outbid by Liverpool when he wanted to sign Downing in 2011 as a replacement for Samir Nasri and now believes he can rescue his career after the England international’s torrid time at Anfield.
Current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers does not want Downing, who has lost form and confidence since his £20m switch to Merseyside. But Wenger is convinced he has the technical ability to fit in at Arsenal and would provide balance to his team on the left flank. Downing can also play left-back, which has been Arsenal’s problem position this season.
Capped 34 times, Downing was hailed as a new Kop hero when signed by Kenny Dalglish following an electric spell with Aston Villa. But he failed to contribute a Premier League goal or assist in his first season and has been publicly criticised by Rodgers for a lack of work-rate in the current campaign.
Liverpool may try to use Arsenal’s interest as currency to land Theo Walcott, who only has six months left on his contract at the Emirates. – Mail On Sunday