First things first, we are not even hundred percent sure whether Wenger actually made the comment that he does not feel the need to buy a defender. He may even have said that, but in some different context. So as far as the credibility of those comments goes, it’s plain speculation as per me for now. However, speculate on speculation is what makes a very interesting read and some very good exercise for the idle mind waiting in anticipation for something to happen.
If I remember correctly, Wenger did talk about Arsenal needing something on the defensive side to take care of the high balls, something that our first choice central defensive pairing is distinctly incapable of. Hence, the thought process started that we would be in the market for a tall strong defender, who can win most of the headers for us. Now, we are being told that Arsene Wenger is not in the market for a defender, he made these comments while refuting the claim that Arsenal are planning a bid for Vincent Kompany. Kompany is a very good defender; however he does not provide anything different to what we already have. Hence, I never believed we were in the market for him. But then, the reports about the 9.5 million bid for Zapata seemed fairly credible. He is 21, captain for Udinese quite tall, good in the air and one of the best young prospects around.
So what exactly changed in the last few days? Here are a few possibilities; you can take your pick based on your comfort. One, Senderos has done pretty well in the Euros, which makes Wenger think that he deserves another chance to resolve our problems in the air. Two, Wenger has thought over the partnership of Toure and Gallas, and after looking at Thuram and Gallas play for France, he feels maybe this partnership can still work. Three, he has agreed a deal with Thuram as a coach cum player and feels that would be enough to sort out the issues at the back. Four, Wenger feels that Zapata is the only defender who can improve the current setup and he is too costly and beyond a reasonable value. Hence, going ahead without buying a new defender would make sense. I for one hope that none of the above is true and Wenger does eventually get Zapata.
Apart from this, Senderos’s Swiss got knocked out of the competition thanks to a late late goal. I have to admit that barring the puddle football time, Turkey were the better team and deserved the win, unlike the Czech’s win against the Swiss. I have been watching Derdeyok in the Swiss team and he played the full 90 minutes in the game. He won almost all the headers against the Turkish defenders and generally looked like a pretty good raw talent. On the other hand the Portugal – Czech match was a much closer affair than I expected. The Portuguese did win 3-1 and were pretty good going forward, but the same cannot be said about their defense. Had the Czech’s been better in front of the goal they could have made much more of a match of it. I really feel they are missing Rosicky more than Arsenal missed him during the season.
what is this about thuram becming a coach + player for arsenal?
What about Song? Maybe he thinks song has a chance. However, I think he thinks the toure/gallas can work. I still think he will buy a defender, but if he doesn’t it will be because he thinks it might still work.
Thuram has been let go by Barca, and there was some talk of him being offered a role as defense coach at Arsenal, with occasionaly filling up in the backline.
Wenger does seem like thinking about Song too, however I still hope it was just to improve his positional sense and not for a permanent role at the back. He should be the Flamini replacement from within in my eyes.
Song has just signed a very long contract, and not too players get that sort of treatment.
Wenger sees Song as a major player being able to play the combative Flamini role and the central defender role.
Then there is Havard Nordtveit who he also rates very highly.
This coming season – the two Swiss defenders and Song
Next year – Song upgrades his position, and Havard Nordtveit is first team back up.
what about per mertesacker of germany?
suposedly strong, tall(6′6”) surely the guy we need!
I would love a big signing like Zapata if he is as good as they say he is, I haven’t seen him. The emergence of Alex Song has ended all hope of that, he has been commanding in the air, good on the ball, won’t be bullied and he can play a killer pass. However how consistent he is we the fans have yet to see as we have seen him look quite vulnerable at times in the odd game, but Wenger sees him all the time in training, maybe we have to concede Arsene knows on this one, I hope so. Arsene has made up his mind although you could say he has left the door ajar a bit with this statement “I have decided that defenders are no longer necessarily needed for next season.” AW
Alex has the potential and ability but although he looks ice cold, who knows what is going on in his head. Will he be able to handle the pressure of being in such a critical position CB against some of the sharpest players in the world. For me it is a more critical position than DM. If he makes a mistake he will be horribly exposed – does he have the mental strength to do that, he looked shaky against… it think it was United. He will need to be an improvement on Senderous to placate the fans. But is he ready for the likes of Messi and Ronaldo? Time will tell.
Nice article by the way, very analytical and thought provoking, keep up the good work.
I do think still that we need a defender, all the center backs we have i dont trust apart from toure..Song can be a good backup though!!
I have read on different blogs that adebayor wants to go to milan……to be honest with you i dont rate the lad highly…..we can get somebody who doesnt miss easy chances……..ade doesnt shoot at all.
Since when was thuram let go by barca and if he has agreed a deal to become player/coach why is this the first we have heard of it.
I think Zapata would be a good signing or richards but not sure wenger is willing to pay 16 million + for either.
Before the euros i mentioned mertesacker but watching his recent performences i was wrong. He looks nervy and un certain of what to do when he is facing his own goal. Watching his fellow german centreback in the euros he looks a much better prospect. With his injury woes hopefully behind him and him looking as if he is 4th choice cb at RM maybe there is a deal to be done.
Another name in the cb position is again mertesackers cb partner this time in the name of Naldo the 6ft 4inch brazillian bruiser and likeley to cost less than 16mil for sure.
It is simple.drogba is going to milan .Senderos is enough for
others.
if you think you can predict wenger,then you are a dreamer. he knows what he is doing and nobody can stop him from whatever he wants to do. lets wait and see his final choice and decisions
and 5 it could also be possible that he wasnt actually taking about a defender, rather a defensive midfielder who could cut out those long balls.
i may be wrong
arsenal need to buy three expierienced top quality players like yaya form barca, david villa from valencia and somelike michael richards from man city the nucleas is there with the young players to achieve big things, i feel with these sort of signings we would take some stopping villa has even quoted saying he likes the way we play he,s on the market wenger go show us were a big club and buy at least one of these players.
we not gonna win anything are we. Fab will leave next summer bcause wenger is not gonna sign agood keeper, defender and atleast one quality winger meanig that we will be trophyless again, agin, again and again. fact is right now we are no where near manu and chls(when the season starts we will weaker than last season) poor arsenal!
nice blog..
I think we need somebody like Bayern Munich Guy Lucio to bolster our defensive line, also we need somebody like David Villa, I read somewhere where Fab was pleading with AW to get Villa in our sqaud. I just pray that AW should things right cos I wound’t like to see arsenal goning empty season again.
Why do we need David Villa? Adebayor got 30 goals last season, Eduardo will be fit, van Persie will be fit, and we’ve got Bendtner, Walcott and Vela to fill in when needed. Wenger is not going to sign a forward unless he sells, and he definitely won’t be signing Villa unless he sells Adebayor.
If we were to buy a forward then we’re better off spending it on Benzema. He’s younger than Villa, and he’s a better all round player.
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