Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Gunners Thought to Be Close to Christopher Samba

The Islington Gazette believes that Arsene Wenger is close to making hulking Blackburn Rovers stopper Christopher Samba his second defensive recruit for Arsenal FC since the transfer window opened.  The rumour indicates that a deal worth £12 million is being worked out to bring the Congolese international to the Emirates stadium.

Having already secured the services of young Charlton utility defender Carl Jenkinson, Wenger is intent on fortifying Arsenal's weakest area. 

Standing 6'4", Samba is an imposing physical specimen.  Powerful and dominant in the air, he could finally solve Arsenal's vulnerability from set pieces.  Samba's height and appetite for attacking a cross also make him a threat in the opposition box.

Samba was one of the few players to emerge with any real credit following Blackburn's relegation-threatened season.  His sterling efforts during Blackburn's bid for survival are a positive sign of a player who produces his best when it matters most.  This is not something often said about many in the Arsenal camp.

A sticking point in any potential deal could be the fee. A price of £12 million may be regarded as too high a figure to pay for a player with little experience at the very highest levels of the game.  Players such as Birmingham duo Roger Johnson and Scott Dann would offer similar attributes at a lower price.

There's also the small matter of Blackburn's willingness to sell both their central defenders in one summer.  Already seemingly on the verge of offloading Phil Jones to Manchester United, Rovers could be reluctant to further deplete their ranks.  Will the owners play hardball over Samba?

They have already demonstrated, in the Jones deal, a determination to achieve maximum value for their players.  The last thing Arsene Wenger needs is another protracted transfer saga, especially with the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri still undecided.

But at age 27 and eager to further his career, the current Rovers captain could offer just the right blend of leadership and desire many are desperate to see more of at Arsenal.