Could this bizarre swap deal be exactly what Arsenal need?

Things seem to have gone from bad to worse for Arsenal. Two defeats to two different lower League clubs in two different competitions, is just the start. This is an Arsenal side with a weak underbelly, seemingly programmed to choke at the worst possible moment.

The fact that Arsenal can no longer beat the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea is basically irrelevant. It’s been clear for a while that the Gunners are no longer in the same league. What’s more worrying is the fact that Arsenal can’t beat opposition like Bradford City, Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City, etc, etc.

Arsenal can lose to anybody. Bayern Munich must be smacking their lips with anticipation.

Surely the last thing Arsenal fans need right now is for key members of their team to become transfer targets elsewhere. Or is it?

According to The Mirror, Thomas Vermaelen could be set to follow Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song to the Nou Camp. Barcelona are believed to have concerns about Eric Abidal’s long-term health and view Vermaelen as a good option to bolster their defense.

Abidal was re-admitted to hospital this January, after ‘unresolved issues’ following his liver transplant last April. Naturally, there are now some concerns over whether he can still perform at the very top of the game – sad as that is.

Arsenal’s captain, Thomas Vermaelen, has a long-term contract with the Gunners and is one of the team’s star performers. He’s a dynamic defensive performer, who isn’t afraid to get stuck in, is as tough as nails and makes important interceptions. It also strikes me that he’d fit into the Barcelona – all-out-attack – style of play quite nicely. After all, he’s known for his forays forward, his powerful shooting and his heading ability.

He’s a centre-back who tends to pick up a few goals over the course of a season.

So yes, he’d be a loss for Arsenal, but maybe the time’s right for him to move on. The Mirror hints that Vermaelen could be used as a makeweight in a potential Arsenal move for David Villa – a player who could significantly improve the Gunners’ attack.

I’ve also been worried by Thomas Vermaelen’s apparent lack of leadership. Arsenal are a tougher side with him in charge, but they’re still equally capable of wilting, collapsing or capitulating – whatever word you’d like to use for the Gunners lack of of backbone. It’s time for Arsenal to buy a genuinely world-class defensive talent and begin the re-building process.

What’s your take? Would you swap Thomas Vermaelen for David Villa?

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