Five defenders that might interest Arsenal
‘A defensive crisis’ would even struggle to personify the dilemma Arsenal face at the end of this unusual, but fascinating, Premier League season. Distraught Gunners fans were left frustrated and dissatisfied yet again over the weekend, (how many times have we heard that?), as yet another calamitous defensive error against a struggling West Brom side cost them a valuable three points.
The continual implosion within the Arsenal defence has caused football fans across the country to frequently consider just how much more damage has to be dealt to Arsenal’s title hopes before Mr Wenger finally realises that signing 30 year old, veteran French defenders is simply not going to efficiently reinforce his regularly slated back four.
Call me pessimistic, but without a pair of decent and recognised central defenders, I don’t believe Arsenal can win the league. I think I speak for every Arsenal fan when I say its time for change. With Johan Djourou suspected to be out for at least another four weeks, and Thomas Vermalaen improbable to feature until next season, surely it is time for Arsene to splash the cash on a much needed top class defender?
Englishman Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka of Bolton and Everton respectively, have both been linked with the club several times in recent months, and both appear to be perfectly capable of solving the catastrophe that has become of Arsenal’s defence since the parting of Kolo Toure in 2009. Both defenders would look to set Arsenal back £15 million at the very least, which is a hefty price tag considering Arsene’s largest transfer fee in his reign, and indeed Arsenal’s club history, which was for Andrei Arshavin, at a reported total of £16.9 million. But surely he will be prepared to pay the price if it means ridding of the current inevitability of conceding a goal each time they play?
Arsenal’s main and most realistic target in the summer would most likely be Cahill, and unlike several centre backs in the league this season, he has been highly impressive through his continually improving performances, and has unquestionably been Bolton’s best player this season. However, Cahill’s contract renders him unavailable until 2012, so unless Arsene assembles the much needed courage to buy out his contract, he will not be available for at least another year.
Both Chris Samba and Brede Hangeland could potentially be on the cards for Arsenal also. Both of the towering centre backs have been at the heart of their teams’ defensive line up for several years now, and have proven their worth at their respective clubs on several occasions throughout the 2010-2011 season alone. Both have been targets of Arsenal’s in the past, but have not recently been linked again. Their experience, ability and price tags could all be perfectly suited to the Arsenal team’s set up.
Outside of the Premier League, Moroccon international Mehdi Benatia, who currently plays for Udinese, is an intriguing prospect for Arsenal, but is only a rumour at this point in time.
Undeniably, any young, aspiring defender across the globe would revel at the opportunity to play for such a well established team such as Arsenal. However, for the clubs upcoming summer transfer window, it will be more a matter of whether they’re willing to pay large sums of money, rather than being rejected by their targets. Their title aspirations depend on it. Literally.
