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The week of the transfer deadline: where clubs pay over-the-odds for players they sometimes don’t need. Players names are thrown around, numerous sightings of players at airports, and it’s all covered in the hyped-up extravaganza of ‘Transfer Deadline Day’ on Sky Sports.
Onto Arsenal. It’s fair to say this season hasn’t exactly gone as well as the Emirates faithful had hoped. The Gunners lie in 6th place; 4 points behind North London rivals Spurs. This is simply unacceptable, but it isn’t the first time we’ve been here.
For example, Spurs held a double-digit points lead over Arsenal last year – only to reel it in the final few games. With Spurs looking an improved team under Andre Villas-Boas, and Arsenal lacking a certain Robin Van Persie – this doesn’t look like happening again.
So, who should Arsenal push for? Arsenal lack a domineering presence at the base of midfield. Someone to disrupt opponents counter-attacks, break up play, and be the foil for the more creative players: Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla etc.
Whilst I’ve long been a supporter of Francis Coquelin, it doesn’t feel as though Wenger has the same belief in the Frenchman. Someone more physically robust and more experienced, for whom Coquelin could be the understudy to would be a very good addition.
Mohamed Diamé is available for £3.5m from West Ham. He’s a player that has played brilliantly in West Ham’s decent start to the Premier League season. A huge presence in midfield, Diamé’s value and Premier League experience make it a very steady and logical investment.
Etienne Capoue is another option. The recently capped Frenchman is a very capable defensive midfielder, and should definitely be looked out – before his price continues to rise. I’m unsure as to whether Toulouse would allow him to leave only a week after losing Moussa Sissoko. One to look at though.
Despite Olivier Giroud’s steady start to his Arsenal career, it’s fair to say Arsenal require a little more firepower up front. A name being thrown about is David Villa. Simply put: he’s one the best strikers of our generation. Whether Arsene Wenger would be able to tempt Barça to selling is another matter.
Loïc Rémy was a player whom would have added something too, alas, he went to QPR. Stefan Jovetic is yet another top player that has been linked with Arsenal, but I just think his asking price would be far too much to entertain.
To conclude: there aren’t a wealth of the players for Arsenal to sign, but the few that are available and Arsenal are interested in would add something to the team in the pursuit for 4th place.
As a fan of the North London club – I would love us to make one last push for David Villa, whilst also adding Momo Diame for £3.5m. In the end, we’ll probably end up singing nobody.
The life of a football fan, eh?
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