Sol Campbell: Arsenal's Most Valuable? The Premier League Too?

With Gallas still out injured and now Vermaelen's impending (albeit brief) ban, the stock of Sol Campbell increased rather dramatically this week. 

Wenger's decision to bring the player back in to the fold at Arsenal raised a few questions among critics and Arsenal fans alike, however Campbell's performances and level head have paid the managers faith back tenfold.

Given the likely terms of any contract signed between Campbell and Arsenal, presumably very heavily weighted in performance pay, there is argument to be made that Campbell could prove to be one of the most value for money players in the game right now.

Arsenal's frailties at the back at points this season have been evident to all and as the title race heats up Wenger was the first to admit that Campbell will be crucial if the Gunners are to close out the season with any silverware.

Whilst for many it will be difficult to consider next season at this point, given what will be an intense close to the season, Wenger will know (and has eluded to) that Campbell will struggle to keep up this work rate in subsequent seasons.  

Gallas and Vermaelen have started to gel very well this year, with the former's attitude and work ethic greatly improving.  With that said however there still needs to be depth in the Arsenal squad and at the back and up front this is no more evident.

In looking at the potential starting back line of Gallas, Vermaelen, Sanga and Clichy it's again the question of experience that might plague any title ambitions.  The use of Song at center back has been touted by a few however he's then being pulled from a position he is growing in to well this current season.  

Djourou shows great potential and is the likeliest option from within to grow in to this role.

Of course this leads to the question of who can be brought in.  Smalling is out of the equation due to his pending transfer to Manchester United and Hangeland just signed a contract extension at Fulham, both players that Arsenal have been tracking for the last year or so.  

Wenger was purportedly scared off last year by the price tag put on Gary Cahill and it would seem unlikely that Bolton will drop their valuation of him this time around.  It may be the case that Arsenal fans will have to place their trust once again in their manager's ability to find those under-the-radar gems as he did so well last year with Vermaelen.

As a flight of fancy perhaps the answer lies in repositioning Bendtner as a center back.

His confidence, physique and clever positioning make him an ideal candidate, though likely the best option for Arsenal and himself next season is a loan spell with a team in European competition to continue to improve his edge in front of goal.  Which brings us on to the needs up front....