Why Fellaini to Arsenal makes sense

Fellaini and Ramsey – future teammates?

Arsenal have reportedly triggered a £22 million clause in Marouane Fellaini’s contract which would allow him to open talks with the Gunners. Everton‘s record signing would be a huge signal of intent by Arsene Wenger as he hopes to build on Arsenal’s 4th place finish and help them become title challengers – and here’s why Fellaini makes sense.

The main aspect is his physical presence; it’s been said many times but Arsenal have lacked a certain steel or presence in midfield ever since Patrick Vieira left the club in 2005 and Fellaini fits the bill. Having drawn plaudits and fans through his performances behind the striker in recent seasons, it is actually the role of a defensive midfielder that the Belgian international prefers.

Just last December, Fellaini said - “I think I am a defensive midfielder. I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you. It is difficult to play with your back to goal. It is not my position but the manager likes me there and I am happy to do it. I don’t have a goal target. Now I have more chances to score because I play in front but scoring is not my obsession.”

It would be certain that Fellaini would get his preferred role under Wenger, possibly partnering the likes of either Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta or Aaron Ramsey and protecting the other half of the double pivot. The Belgian had a great game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this past season in a deep role, protecting his back four and proving to be a pest for Arsenal’s attackers – something Arsenal need right now; a midfield bully/hard man.

Along with his physical presence, his height and aerial ability are positives – something Arsenal are barely synonymous with even if they have Per Mertesacker. Only Michu scored more headed goals than Fellaini last season and his presence in the box would no doubt, considerably increase Arsenal’s threat during set pieces and also give them a legitimate plan B.

Versatility also makes Fellaini a great potential signing – he can sit deep in midfield, play the box-to-box midfield role, create as well as play behind the striker. If Wenger would want to control the midfield in a certain game for example, he could bench Lukas Podolski, replace him with Santi Cazorla and move Fellaini further up the field, putting another central midfielder in the double pivot.

Fellaini would virtually do what Abou Diaby does in the double pivot, only that he would muster up more than 15 games a season as if this deal does go through, it would appear that Wenger is slowly getting frustrated with Diaby’s injury proneness. And while Arsenal have been linked with other midfielders in Etienne Capoue and Lars Bender, Fellaini would definitely get a plus point for having Premier League experience, having played in England ever since he signed for Everton from Standard Liege in 2008 for a club-record £15 million.

Arsenal definitely have the money this summer and can easily pay Fellaini’s desired wages – it’s now upto Wenger to complete the reported deal in what could be an instrumental summer for the Gunners.