Doyle to Arsenal - would it work?

This morning an array of paper talk has emerged linking Wolves star Kevin Doyle with a shock move to the Emirates Stadium for a fee of around £12million.

Arsene Wenger has apparently admired the Irishman since watching him during the France v Republic of Ireland World Cup Qualifier when Doyle occupied Mexes and Gallas throughout the game.

The former Reading man went on to torment Gallas the following season with the Frenchman being cautioned for a wild tackle on Doyle in the first half of Arsenal's 4-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux.

The question is, would Doyle add value to Arsenal's starting XI? He would certainly add more than a good work ethic which appears to be all the Emirates faithful are giving him credit for.

Doyle's sublime touch has allowed him to trouble the best defences as a lone striker in his last two seasons at Wolves. He is superb in his air and freakishly strong given his slight appearance - and he's an awful lot better than Nicklas Bendtner in every way.

However, if Wenger sees Doyle as an 'impact sub' to replace Robin van Persie in a one man attack this bold move will fall flat on it's face. Doyle's goal scoring record is below average at best and he is very much in the mould of an old fashioned inside forward - one position in which Arsenal are probably not in short supply.

Doyle is also considered talismanic to Mick McCarthy and the Molineux crowd. £12million may suffice as an initial fee, but Moxey and Morgan has proven themselves to be fairly shrewd businessman since Wolves promotion in 2009. I imagine that fee may rise depending on appearances, or even that the Wolverhampton financiers would demand a fee closer to £14-16million.

The crucial flaw for me, is not in Doyle's ability but in what he actually adds to Arsenal's squad. They remain weak in defence, and undersupplied in terms of out and out wingers. The loss of Fabregas and / or Nasri would damage their creative flair, and since 2004 Wenger has been reluctant to play a flat 4-4-2 meaning Doyle would probably be considered back-up for van Persie, and that he is not.

Wenger's increased summer funds are still by no means limitless, although Arsenal could be in for a windfall should they sell on their midfield assets. Even so, address the serious issues before improving on the minor ones. Doyle has a lot to bring to the table - but he is by no means the answer to Arsenal's plight.