The Gunners weren’t really tested defensively throughout their 2-1 Premier League debut against Crystal Palace last Saturday, but they still managed to concede a rather sloppy goal.
Arsenal have a rather frustrating habit of controlling possession against teams, only to concede a goal from the oppositions first attack. That was the case against Crystal Palace and it was also the case against a number of other teams last season. Surely this is something that Arsene Wenger needs to look at?
A change in shape may not be necessary, but a change in personnel could be beneficial. Whilst Mikel Arteta has just been handed the Captain’s armband, I’m not sure he’s the best possible fit for the defensive/holding midfielder role.
Whilst he’s versatile enough to play further up the pitch, I’m not sure he’s got enough physical presence, or defensive nous to provide Arsenal’s back four with the protection that they clearly need.
Luckily The Gunners have been linked to a few good options. In particular, the papers continue to suggest that Arsenal are lining up a move for Real Madrid’s defensive maestro, Sami Khedira. Is he the answer to Arsenal’s problem?
With The Metro reporting that Sami Khedira is ‘nearing a move’ to Arsenal (or Chelsea) and suggesting that his agent is set to fly to London to negotiate terms, this deal doesn’t look too far away.
He’s only got a year left on his Real Madrid contract, so you’d assume that the Spanish powerhouse will be willing to cash-in before it’s too late for them to do so. The aforementioned source suggests that Khedira could be available for as little as £12m, thanks to his contractual situation. The Gunners could be onto a bargain here – if they can see off interest from The Blues.
Thanks to their recent commercial deals, The Gunners are now in a position to compete financially with Chelsea. They’re able to offer the German ace an opportunity to play underneath Arsene Wenger and alongside his German team-mates Mesut Ozil (who he was good friends with during their time at Madrid), Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski.
Now Arsenal fans just need to wait and see if that’s enough to see off Jose Mourinho’s interest.
What’s your take? Where does Sami Khedira’s future lie?
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