Could Zlatan Ibrahimovic Really End Up At Arsenal?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s PSG contract expires this summer, making him a free agent. His desired MLS move – if he’s intent on Miami or Los Angeles – may be at least a year away. Reports suggest he will be playing somewhere next season on a one-year contract. For many clubs that would be an expensive, but quite intriguing prospect.

Ibra turns 35 in October. But, he has evaded time’s toll thus far. He’s still in “top, top” form with 28 goals in 33 appearances for PSG this season and 134 in 162 appearances over the last four. He’s still among the game’s handful of players who can create goals from nothing, with consistency. With his fitness level, he should still be more or less dominant.

Of course, with Zlatan’s prodigious ability comes his prodigious personality. Signing him, moreover, won’t come cheaply. Zlatan earns about $16 million per year, after taxes. With no transfer fee, many suitors, and potential silly money from China, he may command significantly more. He may, for the right club, be worth it. It’s worth remembering Manchester United had to spend $50 million-plus to sign a teenager last summer.

Zlatan has promised a “very big surprise.” He asserts he’s still in shape. Ever the Trump he will let the suspense build. Perhaps there will be a ceremony and hats. The best departure point for deciphering his destination is ruling moves out.

He won’t be moving to Manchester City. Ibrahimovic notably feuded with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona. That wound remains open and festering. We can likely rule out Barcelona as well. Real Madrid? It’s one of the few continental powers Ibra has not played for yet. It would make sense. But, Los Blancos are likely to be under a transfer ban until the summer of 2017.

Where could he end up?

Bayern Munich? The German giants are Ibra-caliber. He did say he would consider playing there. That may be plausible, especially if another club signs Robert Lewandowski.

Return to Italy? Plausible. Ibrahimovic has played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. The latter tried to sign him last summer. Ibrahimovic did not rule out an Italy return. Though, his agent said he could “almost rule out” that move in December.

The biggest #narrative move would be to join a club in England. Both Manchester United and Chelsea have money. Both need a striker. Only one can sign Lewandowski. United may be stewarded by his former manager Jose Mourinho.

However, Manchester United is sixth points off fourth place. Chelsea is 14. Neither club looks like it will be playing in the Champions League next year. That’s the only thing, at club level, Zlatan has not won. Would another league title be enough motivation? He will have won 13 in his last 15 club seasons (assuming PSG hangs onto their 24-point lead).

So. That would leave Non-Manchester City Champions League clubs. Leicester City we can rule out. Tottenham may not quite be Ibra-enough. That would leave…Arsenal.

The Gunners may eek out the Premier League title this year. But, they need a dynamic move (or two) if they are going to give Arsene Wenger one more serious crack at winning the Champions League. Adding another, top-tier striking option is a must for that scenario. Ibrahimovic would cost money up front, but with little long-term risk.

The Gunners would offer Zlatan a top-caliber manager, a strong supporting cast including Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, and one more chance at that ultimate European club triumph. For a player who has been itinerant his entire career, it would be a new challenge. He would be the guy at Arsenal, instead of just another at Bayern. Presuming Stan Kroenke’s ranch purchase didn’t break the bank, they have the cash.

Of course, that deal makes sense on paper. In practice, you’re dealing with two particular individuals.

Wenger has a rigid vision. He won’t overspend. He eschews uncertainty. If his expected utility of a signing does not line up with the price tag, he won’t make it. This may have cost Arsenal players who could have pushed them on to the title in years past. It has prevented Arsenal from other clubs’ pitfalls. Their lengthy Champions League qualification streak is not a small feat.

Ibrahimovic is notoriously inscrutable. Great egoist? Imp? Maybe some of both? He could join Arsenal, he could re-sign with PSG, he could go back and play for Malmo for a euro, he could retire, pack up his Volvo, his backpack, and his gun and disappear into the Swedish wilderness.

We’ll all just have to wait.