With Per Mertesacker towering head and shoulders above everybody else, Arsenal’s defense had been earning plenty of plaudits this season. The little and large pairing of Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny was working very nicely, with the German providing the leadership and organisational skills and the Frenchman displaying his pace and tackling ability.
It looked to be a great partnership. But that was until the Gunners ran up against Manchester City last weekend. The likes of Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo proved to be too hot to handle and Arsenal ended up shipping six goals. Yes, Laurent Koscielny was subbed rather early on with a gash in his knee, but he didn’t exactly look in charge of the situation whilst he was present.
Whilst I won’t claim that Arsenal’s defence has been ‘found out’ (one bad result should not be a basis for judgement), I do think there is cause for concern.
With Koscielny out injured, Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen are Arsenal’s only fit centre-backs. If either of them were to get injured, the Gunners would be in trouble. It’s also worth noting that Vermaelen has been out of the game for a long-time and has been out of form even longer.
Arsene Wenger always seems to get himself into a situation where he’s playing full-backs in centre-back positions due to injuries. This is clearly a position which needs some closer examination.
According to The Star, Arsenal are in the running (as are Manchester United and Spurs) to sign Inter Milan star Andrea Ranocchia. At 6ft 5in tall, Arsenal could be about to have two defensive giants in their midst.
There’s certainly a reason why so many clubs are interested. Ranocchia has an excellent reputation. He’s dominant in the air, strong in the tackle and physically tough. He’s also featured 12 times for Italy, who seem to cultivate gifted defenders.
Inter Milan won’t want to sell him, but he’s no longer a first team regular at the San Siro. Given that he’s yet to sign a new contract with the Serie A club, a January transfer could well be on the cards.
Arsenal would have to fight off plenty of competition, but they’re finally financially placed to do so. Let’s see if Arsene Wenger goes after this one.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal snap up this towering defensive talent?
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