After winning a lot of plaudits earlier in the season for their disciplined defensive performances, Arsenal’s defense has now come under fire. I guess you can’t concede six goals to Chelsea, five goals to Liverpool and six again to Manchester City and still project an image of defensive solidarity.
There’s no doubting that Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny work well together. The little and large pairing has excelled this season, especially against the small fry. With Mertesacker’s strength in the air and Koscielny’s speed along the deck, these two form a dream team. But it would be foolish to suggest that this duo are enough to launch Arsenal to Premier League success.
If Arsenal are to win the Premier League next season, they’ll need more options in this department. Arsene Wenger doesn’t seem to trust Thomas Vermaelen and as there are few options beyond the Belgian, the Gunners will have to make a move in the transfer window.
This brings me to The Star‘s claim that Arsenal are in the market for Spurs defender, Younes Kaboul. The 28-year-old centre-back is out of contract in the summer and given his Premier League experience, is likely to attract a lot of attention.
In fact, The Star suggest that he could become the new ‘Sol Campbell’, a player who betrayed Spurs fans and crossed the North London divide at more or less the height of his powers. Sol Campbell offered the Gunners many years of great service. Could Younes Kaboul do the same thing?
There’s no doubting that the French centre-back is a top quality defender. When he’s fully fit, he’s one of the best in the League. He positions himself well, slams into tackles, wins everything in the air and plays with genuine passion.
The only issue is his injury record. The Frenchman just can’t seem to stay off of the sidelines. Since moving to Tottenham in July 2010, he has made just 66 performances, despite being one of the club’s best defenders. Arsenal have enough injury problems of their own and could do without more hassle in this regard.
But as a third choice option (competing strongly for a place in the first team), Kaboul would be a great choice. He’d also be a free signing, so Arsenal can dedicate more money to bringing in a world-class striker. Win-win!
What’s your take? Is Younes Kaboul about to become the new Sol Campbell?
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