At the time of writing, Taye Taiwo’s move to QPR hasn’t been confirmed but more or less looks like a sure thing. Rangers have told the Press that a transfer is ‘very close’ and that the Nigerian defender will join the club on a six month loan deal. Mark Hughes has acted quickly after taking the reins at QPR and already taken a big step forward by this astute signing.
As an Arsenal fan, however, I can’t help but wonder why Arsenal refused to make their interest concrete. I’m sure had this been the case, Taiwo would have opted for Arsenal over QPR, but that opportunity is now gone with the wind.
Wenger has made it clear he’s on the lookout for full-backs this January, but is struggling to find anybody suitable to his criteria:
“A player who plays anywhere in the world at the moment will not be available on loan, it doesn’t exist. It can only be a guy who doesn’t play or a promising player who has not yet made it completely who you could take advantage of.”
These comments, made almost a week ago now appear to be little more than nonsense. What about proven International and AC Milan star Taye Taiwo a well-known and highly thought of full-back? What’s more QPR secured a LOAN deal – exactly what the Gunners are looking for.
The players that are currently deputising for Bacary Sagna and Andre Santos, try as they might, are too young and too naive and this has cost the Gunners big time as they dropped points against Fulham and Swansea City. Arsenal need a recognised and fit fullback to join the squad on a temporary basis and Taiwo would have been the ideal option.
Taiwo would have been a big step up on Djourou, Miquel and Vermaelen who’s not at his best when played out of position. But Arsenal were either too slow, or not interested whilst Mark Hughes has managed to make things happen in the space of a few days.
QPR’s captain Joey Barton labelled the signing as ‘good news’ and he’s right. I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to this growing side and will prove himself a contender in the Premier League over the course of his six months with the club.
As for Arsenal, without reinforcements Wenger’s side could end up losing more and more points as a result of a lack of squad depth and an unwillingness to make changes. As clubs like QPR and Newcastle look forward, Arsenal are standing still.
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i dont see wenger bieng Arsenal manager anymore with me, he need to leave and give space for some who can come and undrestand what it feels to liose a game of our own advantege
Should Arsenal slide further down the table in this two weeks,it will be a perfect setting for Wenger to claim that the returnees,like new signings and better still if they help to claw back up the table. All talks of needing new signings were rubbish,and he is vindicated AGAIN and proud. Missing fourth place has been planned well ahead,hence comments earlier from the chair person. All these drama just help to bolster the coffer once more,so fans might as well accept that with pain and frustration.