EPL Transfer Rumours: Newcastle United striker Andrew Carroll targeted by top English clubs
Arsenal FC, Chelsea and Manchester United are the top contenders in the race to land Newcastle United’s in-form striker Andrew Carroll.
Carroll has received plaudits from managers from all over the country and has been heavily tipped to earn his maiden England call-up after consistently scoring in the English Premier League. England manager Fabio Capello is rightly
considering a call-up to England’s senior squad for the young lad for the forthcoming friendly with France. Andrew has scored 7 goals and created 4 assists in 12 outings for Newcastle, and truly deserves the debut cap for his country.
Andrew scored the winner for the Magpies at the weekend against Arsenal after he dispatched the ball into the net from a towering header. After the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted that Carroll had “something special”.
Wenger said, “I’m convinced Capello will have a look at him. I believe he will be good enough to play for England. He has a kind of presence. It’s not down to me to select the player, but he has something special and he is efficient.
I have been highly impressed by him.”
Although the French manager seemed to be moved by the 6ft. 3in tall Englishman, the striker may not be a perfect fit for the Arsenal system. The North Londoners are famous for a more direct brand of football that involves short
passing and possession of the ball. Carroll’s majority goals have come through headers, as a result of long, aerial balls, a style of play the Gunners do not adopt.
The Gunners will face stiff competition from rivals Manchester United and Chelsea if they are to secure his signature. The 21-year-old centre forward is currently being valued at around £15 million.
Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti also holds the striker in high regard and has commented that Carroll has the potential to be the future Didier Drogba.
The Italian said, “Carroll is a very good striker. He's young and has a chance, working hard, to arrive at the same level as Drogba. But they are different players. Drogba has more power and ability to score different kinds of
goals, while Carroll is good in the air but has to improve."
However, Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is sure to fight off any interest by the big guns in one of his most prized assets. He believes that Carroll is a player who has a great emotional bond with the Newcastle faithful, and the
player is not likely to be tempted by a move away from St. James’ Park any time soon.
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