Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 5 Reasons Chris Samba Is a Perfect Fit for the Gunners
Christopher Samba is one of the most coveted players in this summer's transfer market. A member of the Congo national team, Samba is coming off another successful season with the Blackburn Rovers. Arsenal fans have been clamoring for Samba since the transfer window opened, but Gunners fans have been disappointed by the lack of progress in talks with the 27-year-old defender.
The price for Samba seems to have risen to about $20 million in recent days, but that hasn't stopped Arsenal fans from expressing their interest in the center back. Whether or not chairman Peter Hill-Wood, manager Arsene Wenger and the rest of the Arsenal brass are prepared to shell out that kind of dough is another story. There is little doubt, however, that Samba would be a magnificent fit at Emirates Stadium.
Here are the top five reasons Samba is a perfect fit for the Gunners.
5. Durability
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Managers hate spending a boatload of cash on a new acquisition, only to watch him go in and out of the starting 11 because he can't stay fit. That shouldn't be a problem with Christopher Samba.
Samba has played in at least 33 games in each of the past four seasons for the Blackburn Rovers. That includes 36 appearances this past season, out of which 35 were starts. He was only subbed out of the game three times. Those numbers are especially impressive considering that Samba is a pretty physical player, leaving him more opportunities to pick up bumps and bruises.
Arsene Wenger won't have to worry about Samba's health, which means he won't have to watch $20 million sitting on the bench.
4. Leadership
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One intangible aspect of the game that Arsenal was missing for most of last season was leadership. The importance of leadership from game to game can be debated, but over the course of an entire season it helps to have a player who can provide inspiration to his teammates.
By all accounts Christopher Samba was a great leader during his time with Blackburn and there is no reason that wouldn't continue with the Gunners. Whether it be leadership in the locker room or on the pitch, Samba will improve Arsenal's focus on the ultimate goal.
It doesn't always have to be vocal leadership either; leading by example can be just as powerful. If one player is working his tail off every week to get the victory, everybody else on the team is going to notice that and try to match it.
No manager is going to pay a player purely for intangibles, but they certainly don't hurt. Samba can bring an attitude to Arsenal that has been missing in recent years.
3. Prime
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Christopher Samba had a slow, but steady, ascent towards becoming a wanted commodity. That growth has finally reached a point where he is in the prime of his career. The next two or three seasons will be the best in Samba's career.
Samba's rise began in France's Ligue 2 with Sedan. After spending a season with their B squad, Samba was imposing, but unimpressive. His terrific size and potential earned him a spot with 2nd Bundesliga side Hertha BSC. He spent a couple years alternating between their reserve and main squad, but never found his niche.
Upon moving to the Blackburn Rovers in early 2007, Samba started to find his stride. His results have improved steadily over the past five seasons and he now appears poised to make an impact with a higher-level squad. Getting Samba to join Arsenal before his prime begins to slip away should weigh heavily on Gunners management.
2. Defense
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Although all the other qualities on this list are nice, if Christopher Samba couldn't play rock-solid defense, there would be no discussion about him. His strength and athleticism make him a baronial figure for opposing attackers.
Samba started off very raw with impressive potential. Through a lot of hard work and aided by a team that gave him a chance to prove himself, he has become a consistent defender that can be trusted in any situation. He went up against the best clubs in the Premiership and proved himself worthy of defending some of the best strikers on the planet.
Oftentimes, defenders with great size are overly aggressive, leading to many mistakes. Being American, Oguchi Onyewu immediately comes to mind. That isn't the case with Samba. He is not reckless, and this makes him much more valuable to Arsene Wenger.
1. Size
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Christopher Samba is 6'4" and weighs 185 lbs. There is no doubt that he will grab the attention of every striker he faces. His tremendous size is the main attribute that causes Arsenal fans to rave about Samba.
Samba's size will provide the Gunners with an aerial threat that has been missing in recent campaigns. It will definitely come in handy on set pieces, both offensively and defensively. Being able to clear the box of danger on set pieces is one of the biggest aspects of the game and Samba does it extremely well. He has also used his large frame to block a ton of shots.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of having a strong defender with great size is psychological. It can weigh heavily on opposing strikers to know they will spend the next 90 minutes attempting to get past such an imposing force.
Samba would be the ideal fit for Arsenal in its attempt to win its first trophy in seven years. The only question for Arsene Wenger remains, is the price right?
