Marouane Fellaini to Arsenal: What does the big Belgian bring to the Gunners?

The Gunners had yet another mixed bag this season. Robin Van Persie‘s transfer to Manchester United was widely seen as a meaty blow to Arsenal but the Gunners found more than one source of goals this season as four players chipped in with more than 10 goals. They continued to frustrate their rivals Tottenham as they pipped them to the Champions League spot with yet another strong end to the season. On the other hand, Arsenal’s trophy draught continues. The losses suffered to Bradford and Blackburn were huge frustrations for the fans. Perhaps, potential trophy chances thrown away in complacency.

Arsenal remain a team who take more pride in their football than in their results. And continue to fail to see that there might be a connection between the two. They virtually gave up the game against Blackburn by resting their key players whereas they played terrific football against eventual champions in Munich only to bow out on away goals. An Arsenal fan would stress on the latter, an Arsenal critic on the former.

As Arsenal build towards the next season, doubt and hope will be the contrasting emotions felt by the faithful. The hope is being evoked by the transfer speculations surrounding Arsenal. The miserliness of all these years, the selling off of big names like Fabregas, Nasri, Van Persie is apparently finally paying off as Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis expressed intent on being asked if Arsenal would spend on established players.

He said, “‘Of course we could do that, we could do more than that. We are beginning to see something we have been planning for, which is the escalation in our financial firepower.” Arsenal are said to be looking for a high-profile move for Wayne Rooney who looks markedly unsettled at Manchester United. However, the more credible move that is being lined up is that of Belgian powerhouse midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

The big Belgian midfielder has been impressive for the blue side of Merseyside over the last few years. He is the kind of player who would offer a lot to Arsenal. He can play diverse roles on the pitch and provide that extra bit of physicality that Arsenal so often fall short off. He can transform the look of Arsenal’s midfield with his tackling ability performing the anchorman role.

He can add another dimension to Arsenal’s play by playing behind, or alongside a striker but that is not a dimension Arsenal necessarily seek. He has the experience of playing at the top level in the Premier League and that is a huge boon. He does come at a price given Arsenal might have to activate a release clause but he might be worth the money.

It is said that he is on the good books of Arsene Wenger and the boss did actually try to prize him away from Goodison Park but a £30 million price tag deterred him. Arsenal’s mid-field can be the envy of the world next season if Fellaini is lured to the Emirates. He will join his former team-mate Arteta, Spaniard Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby, the sensation that is Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey.

Arsenal can then set their sights on a title next year given that new managerial reigns are beginning all around in the Premier League. The stability at Arsenal might help them get a head-start to their campaign.

There are no real hurdles in his way to the Emirates except for the lure of new Manchester United manager David Moyes who might launch a counter bid. Chelsea‘s interest, if ever there was any, in the Belgian has considerably dwindled if reports are to be believed much to the relief of Arsenal.

Fellaini’s signing, if successfully accomplished, will only be one of many that Arsenal intend to make this summer. There is a distinct buzz around that Arsenal will look for another £20m-plus player in the transfer market that satisfies their needed profile. Fellaini’s transfer would not only be a step towards a stronger squad but also a signal that Arsenal mean business this year.