Former icon implores Arsenal to sign World Cup finalist

There’s little doubt that Argentina’s World Cup semi-final with Holland contained a mere speck of the entertainment that Germany and Brazil’s clash did.

However, there was one man awake long enough to find something to get excited about over the course of the encounter, as former Arsenal striker Ian Wright played unofficial scout for his old employers.

The one-time Highbury hero tweeted his effusive praise for Argentina spoiler Javier Mascherano, calling on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to splash yet more cash in bringing the ex-Liverpool midfielder back to the Premier League.

Should the Frenchman oblige though, Wright may need to learn the correct spelling of the Argentine’s surname:

Javier Mascherano typifies how you should play when you pull on your countries shirt! #immense

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 10, 2014

Arsene go and get Masherano pleeeeeeeeeease !

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 10, 2014

Mascherano played a key role in keeping Holland’s attacking forces at bay in Sao Paulo, making four tackles – the best of which denied Arjen Robben a one-on-one chance late in the day – as well as three interceptions.

Now a World Cup final awaits the 2011 Champions League winner, with plenty more dirty work ahead of the midfielder if Argentina are to halt Germany and claim the trophy at 11/10 odds.

Another whole-hearted performance could well convince Wenger, who is in Brazil, that the Barcelona man can solve his anchorman shortage.

Mikel Arteta is being linked away from the Emirates, potentially leaving just Mathieu Flamini as Arsenal’s only defence-protector.

A line of communication is already open with Barcelona for Arsenal, who announced the £35m capture of Alexis Sanchez from the Blaugrana recently, and with the Nou Camp club refusing to play Mascherano as a midfielder a switch could be viable.

You’d think Sanchez’s arrival completes Wenger’s attacking moves in this summer window, with his focus now switching to finding a replacement right-back for the departed Bacary Sagna and a new midfield screener his priority.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.