Despite the criticism Arsenal’s defense has received over the course of this season, even the club’s biggest detractors will have to admit that the Gunners turned in one of the best defensive performances of the season against Bayern Munich.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were rock solid against the Bundesliga boys, closing down quickly, restricting space and forcing Bayern to shoot from distance.
It was an impressive sight and it bodes well for the club’s future.
One thing that Arsenal were missing from their game, however, was the ability to hold the ball up front. Olivier Giroud may have grabbed a goal on the night and he may have won a few headers, but play often broke down when it reached his feet.
Gervinho is little better and Theo Walcott, for all his admirers, often goes quiet in these kind of games. He waits to recieve the ball, rather than coming to collect and this often means he goes missing for large swathes of the game.
Arsenal need somebody who can offer something different. Somebody who can collect the ball and turn and face the goal OR keep their back to goal, knock the ball about and wait for Arsenal’s barrage of midfielders to join him upfront.
They need somebody with better movement, somebody who can play off Giroud/Theo and act as a focal point for Arsenal attacks. I put it to you that Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo is that very man.
According to numerous sources (including GiveMeFootball) Negredo could be on the move from the La Liga side this summer, given his club’s financial issues. Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton are all monitoring the player’s situation and could pounce if he’s made available for the right price.
The player himself has spoken out about his situation: “I’m happy here. If the president says that he will not sell, there are other players that can go. He will seek what is best for the club and if I have to leave then it is because he sees fit. But I am calm and at ease here.”
Whilst the player is pretty easy going, you get the feeling that Sevilla would be more than happy to move him on should a decent offer come in. He’s a top player, but needs must. He wouldn’t come cheap, but then somebody who has scored 20 goals in 30 games this season is deserving of a hefty price-tag.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have money to spend and should do it in this case. Having a real frontman could make a real difference next season.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal look to seal a deal for Negredo?
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