Arsenal have acted fast in this summer’s transfer market. Arsene Wenger has clearly learned from his mistakes of last summer (where he left his signings much too late allowing the Gunners to make a dreadful start to the season) and is looking to snap up good players as quickly as possible.
Lukas Podolski was the first man through the door and according to Yahoo it’s looking increasingly likely that Olivier Giroud will be next – a man that Arsene Wenger says has ‘exceptional potential’.
So is that Arsenal’s transfer business done and dusted? I’m sure most fans will hope not. Although the Gunners endeavoured to a third place finish last season, they still looked a long way off of challenging for the Premier League title (or any silverware for that matter). Adding a couple of strikers is a good start, but the feeling remains that more needs to be done.
Which brings me to a story that the Mirror recently ran concerning Arsenal and Hatem Ben Arfa. The French star was an integral part of Newcastle’s Europa League qualifying side last season, making 32-appearances and creating a startling number of sensational moments of individual brilliance. The thought of his goal against Bolton, for instance, is enough to get one foaming at the mouth.
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Though the Mirror provide little evidence that there’s any truth to these rumours, I can’t help but feel that Ben Arfa would be a perfect signing for Arsenal. This goes way beyond Arsene Wenger’s propensity for developing French talent.
Since Cesc Fabregas’ exit Arsenal have lacked a little chutzpah in the centre of midfield. Aaron Ramsey lacks inspiration. Tomas Rosicky is inconsistent. Mikel Arteta is consistent but lacks a little dynamism. Alex Song has perfected the chip-through ball, but still has his defensive duties to worry about. Abou Diaby is always injured.
Whilst Arsenal’s central midfield is somewhat packed, it still lacks an ‘explosive player’. Diaby on his day can work space for himself and get past his man. Unfortunately these days are too far and few inbetween. Ben Arfa is an impact player in the very best sense. He’s got the quality to break down tough defences and the fancy feet to help provide his team with plenty of attacking impetus.
Wenger loves players of a certain technical ability, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he was monitoring Ben Arfa’s situation. Of course, Newcastle won’t want to sell and he’d cost Arsenal an absolute fortune. Thus, the chances of this transfer going through are very low. But I’m sure that won’t stop Arsenal fans from dreaming!
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ben arfa is more inconsistent than rosicky