Victor Wanyama to Arsenal: Robert Pires urges Arsene Wenger to move for Southampton midfielder

The Kenyan has long been linked with a move to the Emirates

Sunday 06 December 2015 16:54

Victor Wanyama

(GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal should try to sign Victor Wanyama when the January transfer window opens, says the club's former midfielder Robert Pires.

The Gunners are currently experiencing an injury crisis with a number of key midfield players out of action; Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Francis Coquelin are all on the treatment table.

It is the latter that is arguably of most concern for Arsenal, with Coquelin's defensive attributes not obviously replaceable within the current squad.

The arrival of Wanywama, who was linked with a move to the Emirates before joining Southampton in the summer of 2013, would go some way to addressing the issue.

“I know Wanyama,’ Pires is quotes as telling Kenyan journalists in Nairobi.

“He is a very good ambassador of Kenyan football and has done well in Southampton but I hope he signs for Arsenal in the future.

"He has the speed, skill and physique.

“However, I think he needs to score more goals because then he will be world-class material.”

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Show all 10

1/10Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Laurent Koscielny (hip, could return this weekend)

What it means: Brazilian centre-back Gabriel will come in as his replacement, forging a makeshift partnership with Per Mertesacker.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Alexis Sanchez (hamstring, late December)

What it means: Joel Campbell will get a prolonged run in the team. But the goals may well dry up.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Santi Cazorla (knee ligament injury, March 2016)

What it means: With Coquelin and Wilshere also out, Mathieu Flamini will get more playing time and Aaron Ramsey will go into the other central position. It is also possible Callum Chambers may have to go into the defensive midfield position.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Kieran Gibbs (calf, could return this weekend)

What it means: Nacho Monreal, who has played every minute of Premier League football this season, will keep on at left-back.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Mikel Arteta (calf, set to return mid-December)

What it means: Arsenal's captain will not be able cover in midfield.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Francis Coquelin (knee ligament injury, February 2016)

What it means: With Cazorla and Wilshere also out, Mathieu Flamini will get more playing time and Aaron Ramsey will go into the other central position.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Theo Walcott (calf, mid-December)

What it means: Olivier Giroud gets an extended run as the club's lone attacker, despite manager Arsene Wenger saying earlier in the season Walcott was his first choice.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Jack Wilshere (calf, late December)

What it means: England midfielder will not yet be able to reclaim his spot in Arsenal's threadbare midfield.

2015 Getty Images

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Tomas Rosicky (knee, January 2016)

What it means: The Gunners are without an impact substitute, and the injury casts further doubt over his Arsenal future. The 35-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season.

Arsenal's injury list - what does it mean?

Danny Welbeck (knee, January 2016)

What it means: Only Giroud is available to lead the line, and he also cannot cover for Sanchez on the left wing.

2015 Getty Images

Wenger has indicated he will be on the look out for potential recruits when the transfer window opens next month.

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