Arsenal Transfer News: Five Players Arsenal Should Have Signed
The transfer window is closing in the next few hours, and while the transfers Arsene Wenger made cannot be described as colossal, they are worthy additions to the squad nevertheless.
There are, however, a few players Arsenal should have signed during the transfer window, most notably a goal keeper and a defensive midfielder as backup for Song, should the Cameroonian ever get injured.
Here we realistically examine five players that could have performed admirably for the Gunners, yet don't seem destined to represent the Arsenal, at least in the near future.
Maartin Stekelnburg
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The Dutch keeper proved his class in Holland's run to the World Cup final, making crucial saves; he isn't one to commit the same mortifying mishaps as Almunia and Fabianski.
His market price too is a great reason, seeing how a world class keeper with Stekelenburg's talent had a reasonable bargain price, Arsenal could have bought an experienced keeper under the age of 30, which would have only increased Arsenal's chance of being safe in the back.
Stekelenburg's ability to instruct the backline when needed would have been a useful addition to the Arsenal backline—especially with the young and inexperienced Vermaelen and Koscielny. Having a goalkeeper who can instruct his defenders would be a great addition to the Arsenal squad.
Johnny Heitinga
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Another World Cup finalist who had the misfortune of being sent off, courtesy of a diving Spaniard.
Heitnga was the backbone for the Holland side that reached the World Cup final, has proved his worth with Atletico Madrid and impressed in his debut season in the EPL with Everton. Heitinga too would have came at a reasonable price.
A versatile and flexible player, being able to play as a centre back, right back or defensive midfielder, Heitinga would be a great first team regular, and would make impact coming off from the bench as well.
With Arsenal one defender short after the departure of Sol Campbell, Gallas and Silvestre, Heitinga would have been a welcomed and experienced addition to this young Arsenal team.
Per Mertesacker
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The towering German defender helped Germany seal third place in the World Cup this year, and was one of the reasons Germany were considered the best team in the tournament.
The former Hannover 96 player has shown some impressive displays for both club and country, helping Germany seal third place twice in the World Cups of 2006 and 2010, and was also one of the reasons Germany were runner up in EURO 2008. He helped Werder Bremen reach the final of the last ever UEFA Cup, and helped them win the DFB-Pokal in 2009.
Also a great header that would help Arsenal's susceptible defense in set pieces, Per Mertesacker could have been another defender who would have been a difference maker in the Arsenal backline.
Yoann Gourcuff
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With the imminent departure of Cesc Fabregas, Arsenal need to buy a replacement, and Yoann Gourcuff would have been the perfect fit in the Gunners' team.
Sadly, Arsenal refused to entertain the thought of getting a replacement for the Arsenal captain, relinquishing the idea entirely. The end result was that Gourcuff signed with Lyon, leaving the possibility of a transfer in the near future highly unlikely.
A great playmaker who has a tremendous understanding with Arsenal's new boy Marouane Chamakh, Gourcuff would have fitted seamlessly with the likes of RVP and Arshavin.
Mark Schwarzer
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The only realistic transfer that might occur within the next 24 hours, Mark Schwarzer maybe the final piece of the Arsenal puzzle.
The 37-year-old has been offered a coaching role after retirement, and would no doubt love to end his career on a high. He wants Arsenal and Arsenal desperately need a goalkeeper with his class and experience.
It remains to be seen whether or not Schwarzer will sign with the red and white army or not, but the Australian goalkeeper would be the perfect short term solution for the Gunners' problems at the back.
When asked about the possible switch to N5, Schwarzer stated "I’m biding my time waiting for things to happen and then I’ll be on move—if you see what I mean".
"I’m hopeful, I’m always hopeful."
Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager has impeded the transfer with his refusal to sell the player, but Schwarzer will be hoping that Hughes indulges his wishes, and will look to end his career in a flabbergasting manner by competing for the EPL title and the Champions League for the first time in his career.
