Arsenal icon Ian Wright has urged Gunners boss Arsene Wenger to bid for Barcelona star Javier Mascherano.
The versatile ex-Liverpool man, who can operate at the heart of the defence or in the midfield engine room, was one of the best players on the pitch in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over Holland last night.
He pulled off a stunning block in injury-time to deny Netherlands talisman Arjen Robben from scoring what would have been the winning goal, and produced a midfield masterclass in the 0-0 draw.
His side progressed via a tense penalty shoot-out, which Argentina won 4-2 courtesy of two saves by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Ex-England hitman Wright, who is Arsenal’s second-highest goalscorer of all time, wants to see the 30-year-old donning red and white at the Emirates Stadium, despite him signing a four-year contract at the Nou Camp this summer.
The fresh extension means Wright will surely have to wait at least a year for his wish to have a chance of coming true.
Mascherano’s club colleague Alexis Sanchez is closing in on a move to the north London outfit and Wright wants Wenger to launch a second Barca raid further down the line.
He said on Twitter: “Javier Mascherano typifies how you should play when you pull on your country’s shirt! #immense
“Arsene go and get Mascherano please!
“Ron Vlaar was fantastic for the Dutch (but) I’m talking about Mascherano’s refusal to lose! #inspiring.”
Mascherano was heavily linked with a move to Serie A club Napoli earlier in the summer but put pen to paper on a lucrative long-term deal in June.