Five Reasons Why Christopher Samba Is a Perfect January Signing for Arsenal

After the finish of 2009-2010, a campaign in which Arsenal finished trophy-less for the fifth consecutive season, manager Arsene Wenger vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad to help bolster their silverware promise for 2010-2011.

It was expected that the Frenchman would first and foremost sign a quality keeper, as current keepers Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Almunia had endured a horrid last few seasons, making vital errors on a consistent basis, which many fans believed was the main culprit for the lack of trophies.

The defensive ranks were also set to be met with new quality presence after Wenger declined the option of renewing the contracts of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell, and Philippe Senderos.

However the French mastermind barely stuck to his word, failing to secure the signing of a new keeper and only managing two defensive signatures, ensuring the backline was severely low on stocks. Alongside striker Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux on a free transfer, French defenders Laurent Koscienly and Sebastien Squillaci were acquired.

Koscienly arrived from French side Loreint FC for £10 million whilst Squillaci came from Spanish giants Seville for £4.2 million. They joined Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, and Harvard Nordtveit as the central defenders.

Both new signings have shown promise and capability of performing with the physicality of the Premier League. However, injuries and fatigue have caught the Arsenal defence out on occasions, and come January, Arsene Wenger will be eager to add at least one defensive signing.

One player who stands out is Blackburn captain and hard man Christopher Samba.

The 26-year-old is one of the strongest and quickest centre halves in England. Blessed with imposing height, control, strength and power, the Congolese defender boast all the traits to be a perfect Arsenal signing.

1. Experience

Since joining Blackburn in 2007 from German outfit Hertha BSC, Samba has been a consistent, dominating figure in the Rovers line up. Playing over 130 times, the French-born defender is a natural with the physicality and pace of the English game which would aid the likes of Squillaci and Koscienly.

2. Leadership

Samba was appointed captain of Blackburn at the commencement of the 2010-2011 season after a spell as vice captain. The Arsenal defence boast Thomas Vermaelen as the leader with the rest still adapting to the game.

Signing Samba would ensure added leadership is installed into the backline, which will enable the younger members to benefit greatly.

With the amount of injury woes constantly occurring at the Emirates, a powerful leader is a great asset and that's exactly what Christopher Samba can bring.

3. Partnership with Thomas Vermaelen

As previously mentioned, Belgium centre half Thomas Vermaelen is the main leader and defender in the Arsenal back line.

Acquiring Samba would enable Vermaelen to have a Premier League experienced defender partnering him, who thrives on strength and control as well as boasting similar styles of play.

Vermaelen, along with Arsenal, desire a big, powerful defender who can fulfil the physical duties as well as severely dominate the air, especially on set pieces and corners.

4. Depth

Samba's signing would ensure correct depth is implemented into the Arsenal defensive ranks, as well as ensuring fierce competition for starting berths and motivating big performances.

Johan Djourou is still not 100 percent and Harvard Nordtveit does not appear to be on Wenger's book, which means a fluid rotation with Squillaci and Koscienly beside Vermaelen.

The competitiveness for a spot is not at its highest and by signing Samba, it would put pressure on even Vermaelen to perform greatly week in week out.

5. Control and Versatility

The 6'4" giant is  occasionally utilized as a striker by Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce, which has benefited the Rovers greatly at times. Due to Samba's impressive pace, control, and balance, it enables him to perform in all areas of the pitch.

Not to say Wenger would utilize Samba as a striker but his control and versatility allows him to familiarize with the Arsenal style of play and if the injury woes worsen come January, than Samba could even be played elsewhere than the defence.

Christopher Samba would be a great signing and unlikely to cost a great deal, if Wenger's defence continue to let the Gunners down then the transfer is a must.