With Arsenal on the hunt for defensive options, they’ve been linked to a number of different options. With the season already in motion, I’m sure fans just want to see their club seal a deal.
This brings me to The Gunners interest in Atletico Madrid centre-back, Toby Alderweireld. He’s got a fun name, but he is he the right player for the job?
Arsenal’s only quality centre-back options are Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. Beyond this there’s Calum Chambers, who’s still a little raw and inexperienced. Bringing somebody in looks necessary, but it’s not clear that Alderweireld is a perfect fit.
For a start, after earning a move to Atletico Madrid last summer, he’s struggled to find regular game time. Last season he made only 22 appearances for Madrid, but still managed to chip in with a couple of goals.
I’m sure he’ll have been a little disappointed with this. After all, in his last four full seasons at Ajax, he consistently played 40+ games per season. In fact, during his time in the Eredivisie, there was plenty of evidence that he’s a quality defender.
He’s tall, he’s physically strong and he positions himself well. It’s not difficult to see him making an impact in the Premier League.
According to The Metro, Arsenal have been ‘given a boost’ as Alderweireld’s father has ‘confirmed’ that his son will be leaving Madrid. Check out these quotes:
“Toby wants to play. A transfer is the best option. We have had several discussions on this issue and Atletico understand and believe it makes no sense for Toby to have another year on the bench.”
It’s pretty refreshing to see Atletico Madrid be so realistic about one of their player’s futures. He’s clearly surplus to requirements, so he’s good to go.
The Metro also claim that Atletico Madrid are holding out for £10m in return for the 24-year-old. That’s fairly pricey, but it’s not like there’s a wide variety of options out there. Snapping him up could prove to be a smart move.
What’s your take? Should The Gunners make a move for this Belgian talent? Is he good enough to make a mark in the Premier League?
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Bullshit headline and bullshit story.
Well done boys, you’ve joined the ranks of goal.com on the BULLSHIT List.