What is the Plan B to Suarez?

Pablo Osvaldo

Age – 27
Club – Roma
12/13 League Apps – 29
12/13 League Goals – 16
12/13 League Assists – 2

Unless you’re a keen viewer of Serie A you may not know too much about Pablo Osvaldo. The Italian international has been in the English press of late linking him with a move to Fulham, as well as Arsenal. Osvaldo is quick, strong and hardworking, and has just come off the back of his best Roma season after joining them from Espanyol in 2011. Osvaldo is capable of playing wide left as well as up front and was touted as a possible replacement for Gervinho, who has it happens has of course just joined Roma. Osvaldo would cost about £9m and would bring baggage just like Suarez, with Pablo being involved in several incidents during his time as a professional footballer, being sent off 9 times in 6 years. Osvaldo would be a decent acquisition out wide, but as our main striker, I have my doubts over his temperament and ability to be able to do it week in week out, the quality is there but is his mental game just as strong?

Stephan El Shaarawy

Age – 20
Club – AC Milan
12/13 League Apps – 37
12/13 League Goals – 16
12/13 League Assists – 4

The Italian wonder kid El Shaarawy is without a doubt one of world football’s hottest properties, after making his breakthrough season last year with Milan, where he made his mark with his extreme pace and excellent technique. 16 goals last season, 19 in all competitions certainly put Stephan’s name on the map and he has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including moves to the Premier League. El Shaawary has pledged his allegiance to AC Milan and has said he wants to stay for years to come, but if Arsenal wanted to test AC Milan’s resolve, who of course aren’t the same global powerhouse as they were a few years ago, Stephan could well be a realistic prospect. El Shaarawy wouldn’t be cheap, but at 20 years old you are paying for the potential and under Arsene Wenger he could well become one of the best strikers on the planet. I’m sure the interest is there from Arsenal, with Wenger already expressing his interest of the player in December. It would be an excellent coup from Wenger, the only risk being would be his age, but if he is good enough he is old enough, watch this space.