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Wenger Interest in Wales Striker

Last updated : 06 May 2005 By Gary Fish

Arsène Wenger has admitted that he was interested in former Cardiff City and Wales forward Robert Earnshaw before he left Ninian Park for West Brom.

The original £6m asking price may have stopped Wenger following up any interest.

"I always felt he had those kind of qualities you cannot give to a player," Wenger told the Echo.


"He is always dangerous, mobile, strong and creates chances. I've seen him in some games when he was a bit unlucky because he'd miss some chances, but he had created them himself.

"But he scores goals for fun. The first season in the Premiership will help him a lot. I wouldn't be surprised in the coming years if you see him among the top scorers.

"He has a fantastic record - I feel this guy will score 15 every year. We watched him at Cardiff many times and with Wales as well and he had some good games. But they always wanted a lot of money for him."

Earnie is easily West Brom's leading scorer this season with 13 goals however a return to second tier football is likely for Earnshaw with the Baggies needing to win at Manchester United this week.

While many players come up from the Championship only to go down with a team after a season or so, Earnshaw will not likely follow suit with Everton already interested, while a move to Villa Park may not be out of the question either.

And of course, if Mr Wenger needs back up for Henry, Reyes and Van Persie, a move for Earnie might be possible following the revelation of his thoughts on the Welshman.