According to most pundits and armchair warriors, what Arsenal really need is a striker and a defensive midfielder. Once those two positions have cover, it seems, the Gunners will be ready to take the world by storm.
Nobody can deny that Arsenal need a striker. Olivier Giroud just doesn’t have the attributes to fit into the Gunner’s system. But, the more interesting question is whether Arsene Wenger really needs to sign an out-and-out defensive midfielder.
After all, there’s an argument to say that Mikel Arteta has done a fine job in the holding-role for the last year. Better than anybody could have really expected. The Spaniard is best known for his range of passing, but he’s also proven to be adept at winning free-kicks (and giving away smart ones), making timely interceptions and breaking up play.
On the other, there’s little doubting that Arsenal have lacked a certain physicality since they sold Alex Song to Barcelona. The Cameroonian international wasn’t a world-beater by any means and lacked discipline, but at least he was custom built for the role he played.
He was energetic, moved quickly and wasn’t afraid to dive into tackles. He was also physically strong. Since he’s left the club, Arsenal have lacked this.
For what it’s worth, my feeling is that Arsene should be looking for a player in this mould, to help round out his squad. With that in mind, Arsenal fans may have been interested to see these quotes from one of their long-term targets, Etienne Capoue.
The tough Toulouse midfielder talks about his future and his coach, Alain Casanova: “If he (Casanova) wants to keep me, that is good. That says that he counts on me, that he is happy with me. But it is football. I feel it is the moment to leave, to play in big competitions.” (Source: The Metro)
The fact that he’s willing to be so bolshy about his future is interesting. Does he already have a move lined up? Could Arsenal be about to make a bid?
If the Gunners are after a defensive midfielder, Capoue would be a good fit. He’s played 150 games for Toulouse and at 24-years-old, is probably ready for a new challenge. He’s physically strong and disciplined – a combination of qualities that Arsenal haven’t seen in a single player for a whole. If he’s ready to leave, hopefully Arsenal are ready to pick him up.
What’s your take? Should the Gunners make a move for Etienne Capoue?
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i think arsene should go for him, bcos he is physically good .