Sometimes it’s like these newspapers and online publications are working on auto-pilot. Like they’re just churning out the most basic, poorly conceived rumours imaginable.
Take, for instance, the Daily Star’s claim that Arsenal are after Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol. Is there any logic to these claims? Why would the Gunners need to pursue another defender?
These rumours are out there because the Spanish International has been overlooked at the Bernabeu by Jose Mourinho. The Star thus claims he’s unhappy, with little to no substantiation. It’s the same logic that saw Cesc Fabregas linked with a move back to Arsenal earlier in the summer.
But why has Albiol been linked with Arsenal? I think there’s still a conception amongst some of media that the Gunners are a bit of a soft touch defensively. They’re so used to linking Arsene Wenger’s side to defenders that they can’t bring themselves to stop, even if things have started to get better in that department.
But, in all honesty, Arsenal don’t really need another defender. Thomas Vermaelen is beginning to look like a worthy captain, Per Mertesacker has turned on his German efficiency and Laurent Koscielny is a talented defender. These three are going to be battling pretty hard for the two available first-choice centre-back slots this season.
Then there’s the likes of Johan Djourou and Ignasi Miquel, who are more than capable of slotting in where necessary.
Yes, Albiol can play across the defense, but are Arsenal really any weaker in the full-back positions? I don’t think so. Andre Santos can’t get into the team and Bacary Sagna looks like he may struggle to regain his place off of young Carl Jenkinson. The competition for places amongst defenders is looking particularly healthy.
Given that Arsene is known for only spending when necessary, I can’t see him splashing out on a player that Real Madrid have no real compulsion to sell.
What they really need, is a more experienced goal-keeper and yet I don’t see them linked to any? Hopefully Arsene Wenger’s got his priorities right, even if publications like the Star haven’t.
What’s your take? Would you take Raul Albiol at the Emirates, or is this just another nonsense rumour?
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