This season we’ve seen Arsenal make a slow conversion from an all-out attacking side, into a more considered, better balanced team. Yes, there’s been the occasional blip along the way (6-0 against Chelsea, any one? Liverpool away? Manchester City away?), but as a whole, The Gunners are a much improved defensive unit.
There’s still work to be done on this front, of course. The Gunners still can’t seem to work out their big-game nerves. Moreover, I’m not sure that either Mikel Arteta or Mathieu Flamini are up to being Arsenal’s defensive midfielder. Flamini’s getting on in years, is a little to rash and isn’t particularly disciplined. Arteta’s also no spring-chicken and he doesn’t have the physique necessary to play in this role. Wenger should be unleashing him further up the pitch.
Arsene Wenger will be on the hunt for a striker this summer, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him go after a defensive midfielder. This is a transfer that could complete Arsenal’s conversion into a team that’s better capable of competing for the Premier League title.
This brings me to The Mirror‘s claim that Arsenal are still in the market for The Saints’ Morgan Schneiderlin. The Frenchman is one of many Southampton stars who are attracting attention from other Premier League clubs (and from abroad).
Unfortunately, Arsenal won’t be alone in their pursuit of Schneiderlin. Napoli are also on the hunt and can also offer the 24-year-old Champions League football next season. We could have a transfer battle on our hands here!
I have to say, Schneiderlin does look like a particularly good fit for The Gunners. Yes, he’s a good tackler, who works hard and breaks up a lot of opposition play, but he’s also technically gifted and confident on the ball. His quick, accurate passing in front of the back-four will provide Arsenal with plenty of impetus moving forward and he’ll always be there to sweep up whenever necessary.
Hopefully his arrival would result in Arsenal being less susceptible to counter-attacks next year. Let’s just hope that Arsene Wenger is able to see off the advances of Rafa Benitez and persuade Schneiderlin to move to The Emirates. Don’t be afraid to use the French connection, Arsene!
What’s your take? Should The Gunners make Morgan Schneiderlin a key transfer target?
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