Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Christopher Samba Can Be Wenger's Saviour in 2011/12

Arsenal's 3-1 loss to Stoke City finally eroded the lingering hope the Gunner's fans had of securing the English Premier League title, despite many already considering Wenger's men campaign futile.

However, the defeat also exposed the continuing defensive problems that have been catalyst in the North London giants silverware struggle over the last sixth season yet have been constantly neglected by Arsene Wenger. 

Meanwhile, a day prior to the Gunner's feeble display at the Britannia, Blackburn played out a 1-1 stalemate with West Ham. In an encounter where a desperate West Ham, who are almost certain to endure the cruel hands of relegation, threw every attacking force they possessed at Steve Kean's men, only to be constantly thwarted, predominantly by Blackburn captain Christopher Samba.

The Congolese giant was immense as the likes of Demba Ba, Carlton Cole and Frederic Piquionne found their attacking prowess curtailed by the imposing centre half.

Samba has revealed that during the recent January Transfer Window he was very close to joining the Gunners, but the move never properly materialized.

Many believed Wenger was to implement defensive changes during the Winter due to defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen sustaining a severe Achilles injury, leaving only three fit centre halves in Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci.

However, the French tactician maintained his tentative transfer approached and failed to secure the service of anyone during January. The result was that despite showing a gallant approach, the Arsenal defence crumbled with lack of depth and psychological barriers appearing as the linchpin.

Now with Arsenal's season in tatters and a sixth successive campaign without a trophy, it is certain Wenger will spend big during the Summer and acquire a quality defensive presence.

There has been heavy speculation surrounding a number of players including Per Mertesacker, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka but it appears that Christopher Samba may be the ideal option.

At 6ft5 the former Hertha Berlin centre half is one of the biggest and toughest centre halves in the English Premier League. Powerful, efficient and experienced, Samba exhibits all the traits severely lacking in the Arsenal defensive line.

To often have Arsenal been caught out or overpowered from set pieces and corners. The Gunners, in recent years under Wenger, have never been able to consistently dominated the air and with Samba's introduction to the Emirates, this could eventually happen.

Furthermore, the 27 year old is a natural leader and a native French speaker ensuring a swift, easy transition into the predominantly French Arsenal squad.

The giant has expressed his desire to play UEFA Champions League football alongside a genuine change in competitiveness. Samba has revealed it is likely an exit from Ewood Park is on the table which is even more beneficial for Arsenal.

It is unclear just how much Blackburn would demand for their fearless leader but with the Wenger publicly stating there is sufficient funds at his disposal, there is a huge opportunity for Wenger to pounce on a superb Premier League centre half.

It is rare to see Wenger acquire players from rival EPL sides and the move could signify a huge turning point in Arsenal's trophy drive. Samba has over 140 appearances in the Premier League and possesses tremendous mental strength having endured relegation fears and poor performances with Blackburn.

There is no denying that both Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny will grow after solid seasons, particularly Koscielny, who is still enjoying his first season with Arsenal.

Furthermore, Wenger has Thomas Vermaelen returning. The Belgium was named on the bench against Stoke City and is expected to return to the fray next week, his first appearance since August.

Veteran Frenchman Sebastien Squillaci is also a doughty contributor to the Arsenal back line whilst boom youngsters Kyle Bartley and Ignasi Miguel are both expected to feature. But despite whether or not Wenger is content with his central defensive roster, it appears unlikely Arsenal are capable of succeeding unless quality changes are made.

Samba is a valid option who fills all the voids lacking in the Arsenal central defence. Price is also not an imposing factor so it is evident that the huge DR Congo international can potentially be Wenger's saviour next season.