Arsenal Transfer Prospects: 5 Quality Defenders Wenger Can Target In January
Arsenal were condemned to their second successive defeat in a week after losing 2-0 to Portguese kings Sporting Braga in the UEFA Champions Premier League. The defeat comes of the back of a shock 3-2 lossย to fierce rivals Tottenham after dominating and leading 2-0 at half time.
In what was a scrappy, slow match that was taintedย by constantย fouls by a lifeless Bragaย outfit alongside horrific refereeing, the Gunners went from dominating Group H to be in danger of failing toย qualify for theย final 16 of Europe's most prestigiousย domestic competition.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is currently pursuing an epic quest toย end a five-year trophy drought, however, with the current defence the Frenchman boasts at his disposal, itย looks destined that the lack of silverware will continue for yet another season.
During the Summer Arsene Wenger vowed to implement changes into his youthful squad in hopes of reinforcing a stronger title challenge for next season.
Critics and fans alike believed the goalkeeper position was the most glaring in need of change. Since Jens Lehman's departure in 2008, the Gunners have failed to boast a quality, reliable presence between the sticks. Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski had tried gallantly and were occasionally brilliant, but both had a tendency to make vital errors on a consistent basis.
However, Wenger was unable to attract a quality keeping presence, but the Frenchman was tremendously active in terms of defensive reinforcements. So as 2010-11 commenced, all felt that once again Arsenal's keeping conundrum would be the main reason for their eventualย failure.
But surprisingly, it has not been the case.
Manuel Almunia began the season in solid fashion before a persistent elbow injury has seen the Spaniard absent since September. Deputy Lukasz Fabianski has been superb in Almunia's absence, proving his capability as a dominant keeper.
The Polish shot-stopper has shown great composure and consistency since being elevated to the No. 1 role and has all but diminished Arsenal's keeping woes. Yet despite the revival of Arsenal's keepers, Wenger's defence has been the focal point of their demises this season.
The French tactician worked tirelessly during the summer on his back line. William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Philippe Senderos, Sol Campbell and Kerreaย Gilbert were all declined for contract extension despite boasting over 700 Premier League caps.
Wengerย defensive line, particularlyย the centre half regime, was undernourished but the Frenchman was able to secure the signings of littleย known Frenchman Laurent Koscienly from French outfitย Lorient FC for ยฃ10 million. Whilstย former Lyon defender Sebastien Squillaci arrived from Spanish giantsย Seville for ยฃ3.2 million.
The two centre halves joined Thomasย Vermaelen,ย the defensive leader, and Johan Djourou, who had missed all butย the final game of 2009-10,ย as the central defenders. Vermaelen,ย touted as Arsenal premier defender,ย suffered aย persistent ankle injury in August and has failed to feature since.
Johan Djourou has easily been the most impressive of the defensive, especially as the imposingย Swiss only recently returned to full fitness. However, the two summer signings haveย failed toย impress, particularly Laurent Koscienly.
The pair partnered one another for Arsenal's shock lossย to rivals Tottenham onย Saturday and areย one of the predominant reasonsย Tottehnam were able to come from 2-0 down and succeed. Squillaci hasย performed credibly throughout the season and in Vermaelen's absence has formed a strong partnership with Djourou, but at 30, theย Frenchman lacks the speed so desperatelyย vital in the Premier League.
Koscienly, on the other hand, has just looked frail and out of place at times. Particularly during the second half against Tottenham, the 25-year-old was caught out of position and out-muscled too easily in the air. Furthermore, the Frenchman has already conceded toย red cards in his short cameo.ย ย
If even Vermaelenย is to return in the coming weeks, the former Ajax captain will requireย at least a month to regain proper fitness levels to thrive in the Premier League.ย The answer is plain and simple for Wenger: Buy a qualityย defender in January.
But Wenger's transfer motives are often disappointing. The Frenchman has a tendency to be particularly tentative with his funds hence the rarity of big name signings. However, surely with the current defensive crisis, Wenger will realise that he has to spend.
Fortunately the 60-year-old boasts sufficient funds at his disposal and has an opportunity to attract some of the world's best centre halves.
Let's establish who they could be.
1. Per Mertesacker: Werder Bremen: ยฃ10-15 Million
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The German giant would be the ideal defensive signing for Wenger. Blessed with imposing height of 6'6'' alongside great control, speed and composure, the 26-year-old is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.
The Werder Bremen centre half was touted to move to the Emirates during the Summer along with a number of other big name clubs including the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea. He is held in the highest regard by Bremen, which will ensure a heavy transfer fee, but in truth, it is nothing Wenger is unable to handle.
Mertesacker would provide the Arsenal back line with a vital imposing presence as well as securing a reliable force from set pieces. Furthermore Mertesacker is a natural leader and boast similar defensive traits to Thomas Vermaelen.
2. Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus: ยฃ15-20 Million
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The Italian defensive maestro has been a consistent, commanding force in the Serie A for a number of years now, and many believe the 26-year-old would thrive in the Premier League. Chiellini is a tenacious, intelligent full back with impressive strength and a blistering header.
The Juventus starlet has accumulated over 160 games in Italy's best league and is considered one of the leaders in an experienced Juventus squad.
As expected, Chiellini would attract a heavy sum, but Wenger is touted as a great admirer of the Italian international, and the experience and quality Chiellini would provide in the Arsenal defence.
3. Richard Dunne: Aston Villa:ยฃ8-14 Million
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Richard Dunne epitomizes a no-nonsense, tough defender who thrives on hard work and success. The Irish enforcer has been a consistent performer in the Premier League for almost 15 years and rarely receives the correct amount of praise for his huge efforts.
Strong, powerful, imposing and smart, Dunne personifies guts and determination, which earned him a place in last season's PFA Team of the Year.
Currently with Aston Villa, the 31-year-old leads Gerard Houllier's back line, forming a strong partnership with James Collins. However, Wenger could be able to entice the Irishman away from Villa park with the prospect of European trophies and a greater leadership role.
Dunne would also attract a heavy fee, but it could cease to matter if Wenger is able to land the former Manchester City defender.
4. Mattew Upson: West Ham United: ยฃ8-14 Million
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The former Arsenal centre half has always been one of Wenger's regrets. The Frenchman offloaded the Englishman during the glory days in 2003 to Birmingham City, and since then, as expected, Upson has become a strong and reliable defender.
Currently one of the bright points in a struggling West Ham squad. Signing Upson would install aggression and power into the Arsenal central defence and help establish added leadership and depth. With West Ham favourites for relegation this season, Arsenal could offer the 31-year-old a contract to hard to refuse as well as a healthy sum for Avram Grant.
5. Joris Mathijsen: Hamburg SV: ยฃ10-12 Million
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The Dutch defender has impressed for a number of years whilst with German giants Hamburg SV and the Dutch national side. The 30-year-old was an integral part and leader of the Netherland's side the progressed to the final of the 2010 World Cup.
Touted with a move to the Premier League for a number of years now, Mathijsen is blessed with a superb tackle, experience and admirable strength. Likely to cost some what of a sum but nothing to demanding, and would be a worthy addition to the Arsenal side.
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