Arsenal Transfer News: Is Chris Samba the Man to Fix Gunners' Defensive Rhythm?

Arsenal's defense was a royal mess last season, and virtually anyone who watched the Gunners' flounder down the stretch could see it. Manager Arsene Wenger's back line struggled to find any kind of consistency, displaying the kind of porous consistency typically reserved for cheese in the Swiss Alps. 

They were particularly lacking in set pieces, displaying an aerial ineptitude that was quite a sight to behold. The combination of Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou, Bacary Sagna, and Lorent Koscielny struggled to find a consistent form, and floundered on set pieces all season long. 

Fortunately, Wenger has made finding defensive help a major priority this summer (although apparently, it's still behind finding a new forward in Gervinho and finding help on the wing in a possible deal for Juan Mata), looking at centre-backs Gary Cahill of Bolton and Chris Samba of Blackburn. 

Of the two, Samba has long been the intriguing option. The 27-year-old defender is slightly more affordable than other options in the centre-back position, and is just hitting his prime. 

On top of that, a Mirror Football report indicates that Samba is ready to take his skills out of Rovers and on to bigger and better things. The Congolese international told reporters that he'd love to play for a Champions League club, and the Gunners are the only one in the market for him. 

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"I don't know about Arsenal, as I'm not dealing with it. It's not my problem and I'm just trying to get myself fit," said Samba.

"Of course I'd like to play in the Champions League - which player doesn't dream of that? It would be a lie if I told you, 'Everything is good and I don't want to play in the Champions League.' That would be a big lie. Every player wants to do that.

"I don't know what will happen, but at the minute I'm at Blackburn. We'll see what happens. If you get a player who has no ambition to play higher, he made a mistake and chose the wrong sport. He should do something else.

"When you're a footballer or play any high-profile sport, you should be ambitious. It's difficult at the moment, but I'm just waiting to see what happens and concentrating on my preparation."

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While Samba seems ready to jump to Emirates, is he really the answer to Arsenal's defensive maladies? 

We know he's the most affordable option the Gunners have looked at this summer; as he's rumoured to be available for between £12 million and £15 million from Rovers, but the 27-year-old defender is a solid contributor.

He's a massive player who is dominant in the air, which is a major upgrade over the current state of the Gunners' defense. He's a strong tackler as well, but manages to avoid being considered overly aggressive and committing costly fouls all that often. He's been known as a leader on the pitch during his time with Blackburn, and given the Gunners' defensive state, they could use that leadership. 

But, Samba's hardly a perfect defensive prospect. For all his size and strength, he's not the fleetest of foot in the middle of the defense. His ball-handling skills leave much to be desired, and he's not the best passer on the face of the Earth. 

On top of that, many don't rate him as highly as Bolton's Gary Cahill, who is much more available and a slightly better value at £17 million. Samba is talented, but Cahill is more talented and possesses considerably more upside. 

Samba would be a good fit for the Gunners, given his skill set. He's an excellent defender, pure and simple, big, strong and possessing excellent leadership qualities. He'd give Arsenal's defense a big boost, and would stabilize them on set pieces at both ends of the pitch. 

That being said, I don't know if he's the best fit for Arsenal. A player like Cahill, who is younger and only slightly more expensive would be a better fit than the Congolese defender, and brings better ball-handling and passing skills to the table. 

Wenger could do a lot worse than Samba, but with Cahill still out there, he could do better, too.