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28 March 2024

Is Wenger’s Russian roulette right for Arsenal?

Manager of Arsenal Arsene Wenger shouts to his team during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 14 in London, England. (Getty Images)

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By Staff

How Russia managed not to qualify for the Euro quarterfinals is a mystery only exceeded in bizarre-ness by the Netherlands’ exit at the same stage. 

Their attractive style of play and incisive attacking under Dick Advocaat put Russia on the dark horses list of even the most cynical pundits. 

The spearhead of all the good work was Alan Dzagoev. 

Never one to doubt good Russian potential, Arsene Wenger was first on the Dzagoev bandwagon. 

That he had not managed to sustain Andrei Arshavin did not seem to worry Wenger. 

Dzagoev certainly has the credentials and displayed plenty of attacking nous 9 scoring three times for Russia in the group stage) to make him an Emirates candidate. 

That fact that he is only 22 helps.

A lot will depend on how the Robin Van Persie saga unfolds and at what price CSK Moscow will entertain offers.

Wenger will only settle for a bargain, but given the Russian hitman’s striking ability, £13 million might be just that.