Conventional wisdom suggests that Arsenal will be hunting for a keeper, striker and holding midfielder this summer. These are the missing pieces to Arsene Wenger building a squad capable of success.
But finding the right players to fill these vacancies may be an altogether different task. Let’s focus on Arsenal’s pursuit of a proper holding, or defensive-midfielder.
The Gunners have had a need for a player in this mould ever since they sold Alex Song to Barcelona last summer. This seemed like a bizarre move at the time and that’s proven to be the case.
He was an important player for Arsenal, but hasn’t fit in at the Nou Camp at all. He was even voted the second worst La Liga signing of last summer (behind Luka Modric – ha!). It was weird to see Alex Song start against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League showdown. It was weirder still to see Barca lose that game 3-0.
But let’s not dwell on Song. He has moved on and so should Arsenal. Wenger can’t rely on Mikel Arteta to play as a holding midfielder for much longer. He needs to purchase a long-term replacement for Song.
After all, whilst the Spaniard is graced with plenty of technical ability, he has no real physical presence. With Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla often the subject of foul play, the Gunners could use an enforcer – somebody who can protect their smaller, slighter but gifted players.
It’s surely this need that has seen The Mirror claim that Arsenal are looking to sign Lyon captain, Maxime Gonalons. The French International has a fun name and a £15m price-tag.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is under contract until 2016, so Arsenal won’t be able to agree any cut-price deals. They’ll have to go all in to snap him up.
But I would argue that he is worthy of his price-tag. Gonalons plays with real competitive edge. He snaps into tackles, he throws his body about and he’s always there to make a timely interception. Arsenal fans who have grown accustomed to Abou Diaby’s languid displays may well be startled by his exertions.
He’s precisely the player that Arsenal need. If this means splashing out (this deal would equal Arsenal’s current transfer record) then so be it!
What’s your take? Should the Gunners look to seal a deal for Maxime Gonalons?
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prefer capoue.
arsenal should snap him without wasting time
If he is that good as you say,then let’s do all we can to pick him or better still sign the guy at south hampton
Gunnerlons are welcome. Maybe he able to maximaze protection to us.
I believe he would be a good buy for the team he will protect the defenders and be a body guard for Wilshire and Santi to go forward and play their game..!????
It would be an ideal signing for arsenal, after all he is French, so Wenger will love him, and he looks good.
maxime gonalon will be a good buy i;hv seen him play so he can fill the void left by song after all the price tag aint much
Wanyama
Go for him the Prof. I always love ur judgement on star selection and purchase. If this guy is really good go for him. Up Gunners
Wanyama is better,get him
let’s wait see if Wenger is serious this time becoz he has been tilly tally with us,please hurry-up and spend wisely
if that should favour arsenal next summer i think that will should go for him fast
song he is at the right club and the best club in the world barca shouldnt sell him he just needs games he did not get enogh games to play i hope he gets games to play song great player strong player when he is on the ball why leting such great player to go
If the player is good let wenger go for him becouse I want cup not top four.
Either Capoue or this guy and il be a very happy gooner
I think he seems good, but has no EPL exspirience. He is also playing in the French leauge which isn’t as fast or physical, so will need to adapt. I’d rather for 5mil more at 20mil buy CDM Fallaini from Everton. He wants CL football, is big, strong, has a areal threat and capability that we lack, Is very consistent, can score goals in advanced positions too and has EPL exspirience and is only mid 20’s.