Transfer Rumours - Samuel Eto'o

The sunday papers are today linking Arsenal with a sensational move for Barcelona star Samuel Eto'o. That's just speculation. But the facts are these. He turns 26 on 10th of March and has 60 scored goals in 90 appearances for the Spanish Champions.

He's also had troubles with both Ronaldinho and his gaffer Frank Rijlaard of late. Eto'o has also long been very vocal about playing in the shadow of the great Brazilian as well as noting a big desire to play football in England. He's also professed a strong desire to play with Theirry Henry (who hasn't) and is a very big fan of Arsene Wenger.

So what to make of this?

From an Arsenal point of view, there is war chest available for Wenger for "the right player". Samuel Eto'o would improve us. That much is clear. A strike force of Henry, Eto'o, Van Persie and Adebayor is better than any in the world. But it would mean the end of Aliadiere, Bendtner, perhaps Julio Baptista.

At 26, Eto'o is the same age as Rosicky was when Wenger brought him to the club and young enough to progress with his football with the Arsenal. He is known for his quick pace and agility on and off the ball and an ability to score equally well with both feet as well as his head. His style of play is characteristically daring and he often runs at defenders and goalkeepers with total confidence in his ability to get the ball past them. Because of his slight frame, Eto'o relies on nimbleness and timing rather than strength to score, and he frequently scores on the first touch after running onto well-placed through balls. Imagine his delight at the service Hleb, Rosicky, Denilson and Fabregas would provide him.

Much has been said about Arsene Wenger building the club with kids but when the right player comes along he has shown a ruthlessness to make the team better. William Gallas is a perfect example of this.

And Samuel Eto'o may be the next.