Arsenal FC Transfer Rumours: Why Arsene Wenger Should Never Sign Phil Jagielka

Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Everton centre back Phil Jagielka, according to Dailymail.

It was reported last summer that Arsenal had a £15 million bid rejected for Jagielka, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if Arsene Wenger finally got his man this season.

However, is this the signing that would solidify Arsenal's wobbly defence?

Make no mistake, Jagielka is an excellent defender and a very competitive player.

He will make a difference to the Arsenal's defence. But how viable is the transfer?

First off, Arsenal need height in their defence, according to Wenger, fans, pundits and anyone who has any inkling of knowledge about football.

Jagielka is not exactly the tallest players around, and at 5'11" he's comparatively short for a defender.

Next up is the price tag.

Everton boss David Moyes is very reluctant to sell his players, and even more so in the case of his star defender.

Being English, Jagielka doesn't come cheap. He's valued at £15 million, but even that may not be enough to prise him away from the Goodison Park.

Jagielka will turn 29 in two months time, and you have to question the logic behind such a move if Arsenal were to pay £15 million and upwards for a player who is fast reaching his twilight years in top-flight football.

The England defender's injury record is also not exactly satisfactory.

Jagielka suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in 2009 and took 10 months to return to football, and has since had niggling issues with his fitness.

Finally, Jagielka is a loyal Everton player who values loyalty above money.

He's committed to the cause of Everton; therefore, it would be extremely difficult to recreate an episode akin to that of Joleon Lescott to unsettle the player and force a transfer through.

Plus, Jagielka's contract is until 2015, which means Moyes could hold out for a substantial transfer fee even if the player, by chance, shows an interest in leaving Goodison.

That doesn't mean Arsenal shouldn't sign a centre back this summer.

Arsenal have a younger option in Gary Cahill who is available for £17 million, which would be the type of money that it would take to buy Jagielka.

Cahill, being younger and fitter, is the better long-term investment for Wenger.

Arsenal can also target the £12 million-rated Christopher Samba from Blackburn, who would add strength and height to Arsenal's back line.

Is there anyone who would like to see Arsenal sign Jagielka ahead of Cahill and Samba?