Should Arsenal take a closer look at potential target Yoann Gourcuff following the World Cup shenanigans in the French camp this summer?
France had one of their worst World Cup campaigns in recent memory this year, after crashing out in the group stages of the competition. However, many have not talked about their exit, but more of what actually transpired behind the scenes within the squad in South Africa.
It seemed as if the team were not unified even before kicking a Jabulani ball and evidently it wasn’t. Raymond Domenech has been a controversial figure this summer with his tactics and team selection. French Captain Patrice Evra didn’t help the cause by claiming there was a ‘traitor’ amongst the squad following Nicolas Anelka’s dismissal by the FFF. Since then many fans have been trying to decode what Evra meant and have speculated that Yoann Gourcuff is the potential ‘traitor’ due to reports leaked in the media.
It has been reported that several French players including Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka, did not talk or befriend the Bordeaux playmaker and were very isolated towards him during their time in the World Cup. Speculation is now surfacing that his remoteness and tense relationships have affected his ability and overall performances, and as such, was not the same player we have seen in recent times last season. Of course nobody actually knows what happened and to pinpoint Gourcuff as the troublemaker in the camp would be wrong unless there was clear evidence indicating he in fact was the man causing problems.
Arsenal have been linked with the French star this summer and look to be interested in bringing the 23-year-old midfielder to the Emirates when the window re-opens on July 1st. However, will Wenger reconsider making an offer for the Frenchman after hearing such negative rumours about the player?
Wenger does not like to associate himself with troublemakers and since taking over at Arsenal 14 years ago has dealt with many within the North London club. Le Professeur has had a few in his Arsenal team over the years, and seems as if he still does with William Gallas and Andrey Arshavin, who both continue to repeatedly moan about the conditions and life at the Emirates. Wenger has thrown out a number of Arsenal stars because of their negative vibes and egos which include the likes of Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Ashley Cole. If Gourcuff fits in either category or the rumours are true, then maybe Wenger will avoid him altogether.
Nonetheless, Gourcuff is a talented young midfielder who undoubtedly has a bright future ahead of him. However, with reports suggesting that he is an isolated figure due to his ego, may affect him in the long-term. Although, we do not know this to be true, we have to believe that if a majority of Gourcuff’s fellow French compatriots don’t speak to him and keep their distance, then surely there must be something wrong with the player, right?
Wenger on the other hand may take a different approach towards the player should he decide to acquire him this summer. The Arsenal boss can potentially curb the player’s supposed ‘ego problem’ and get the 23-year-old’s head down and work hard. We have to believe that Gourcuff is not a troublemaker and the phrase ‘innocent until proven guilty’ certainly comes into play here. The Bordeaux player has not burnt any bridges with a possible move to Arsenal in my eyes, and as such, many of the clubs fans, including Wenger (despite the recent accusations) would still certainly like to see the young Frenchman play his football at the Emirates this season.
Click on image below to look at the SPANISH babes at the World Cup