Wigan join the hunt for Deportivo striker

The Sun reports that Wigan Athletic have joined Espanyol and Real Zaragoza in a three way battle to sign Deportivo La Coruna striker Riki. Wigan have struggled for goals again this season, managing just 37 collectively in 32 league matches, a meagre ratio of just over 1 goal per game. Riki has 12 goals this season and will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Arouna Kone may have impressed with high levels of athleticism and instinctive finishing, but the perennial Premier League strugglers have again looked short in the striking department. A move for the striker wouldn’t be the first time manager Roberto Martinez has utilised his Spanish links to ‘improve’ his squad, defender Ramis was acquired from Mallorca as well as Kone from Seville.

Fans of the Latics may feel understandably underwhelmed when mulling over this particular transfer rumour, with this Spanish striker not exactly carrying an immense degree of pedigree. At the age of 32 the forward’s fitness is likely to be on the wane, furthermore it should be taken into account that Riki is yet to have totalled a century of career goals.

Few would argue that Wigan play an attractive, and arguably effective, brand of football under Martinez. Their manager, who made 187 appearances for the club as a player, has managed to combine a slick passing style with bite in the middle of park. Whether a play such as Riki is able to provide the required added bite remains to be seen.

Michael Dobson

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