This summer is set to be an interesting one for Arsenal. Whilst they’ve got a clear priority in finding a new, world-class striker to provide competition for Olivier Giroud, they’ve also got a few niggly issues to resolve. For example, there’s a good chance they’ll need to sign a new right-back, a second choice goalkeeper and a centre-back or two.
Let’s focus on the latter issue. The Gunners current centre-back options are Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen. The German and the Frenchman are damn near impeachable at the moment, but I think it’s fair to say that the Belgian could find his place in the squad under threat at some stage.
Yes, he’s Arsenal’s current captain, but he’s also been out of form (and probably not fully fit) for the last year or so. How long can he keep this up?
This brings me to The Star‘s claim that The Gunners are in the market for Anderlecht’s star defender, Cheikhou Kouyate. As luck would have it, they back up their claims with quotes from the players agent, Saffet Balkan:
“I have met representatives from Arsenal and West Ham over Kouyate in Belgium. We are currently in talks. I will also meet with representatives from Galatasaray and CSKA in Istanbul later today to discuss an offer for Kouyate.”
The 24-year-old centre-back certainly seems to be in popular demand, doesn’t he? This could just be typically misleading agent talk, but it’s interesting to hear Balkan list Arsenal first.
At 6 foot 4 inches tall, Kouyate is a giant, whose development really seems to have kicked on over the last couple of seasons. He’s now made 145 appearances for Anderlecht and has earned 5 caps for Senegal. The experience has helped him to become a regular performer and it’s easy to see him slotting neatly into this Arsenal team.
I’m not sure he’s good enough to displace either Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny (not yet any way). But, with two years left on his current contract, it’d certainly be worth Arsene Wenger making a speculative bid.
What’s your take? Should The Gunners make a move for this Senegalese centre-back? What other options should they consider?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.