The weakest area of Arsenal’s squad has to be their defense. In particular, I’d highlight the defensive midfield position as an area that needs some serious work. When you look at The Gunners’ current options in comparison to those available at other top clubs, the gulf in class is entirely clear.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of Mikel Arteta, but he doesn’t strike me as a natural defensive midfielder. Yes, he’s handy when he’s on the ball and he’s good at maintaining possession and winning free-kicks, but does he have the other qualities necessary to excel in this role? Is he good in the air? Is he a solid tackler? Is he a battler? Does he have any competitive edge?
Mathieu Flamini has many of these qualities, but he’s also small and slow. As such, games seem to pass him by. No doubt he’d be a lot more effective if he had more physical presence, but that’s just not the case.
This leads me neatly into The Metro‘s claim that The Gunners are set to make a ‘monster’ bid to sign long-term target Morgan Schneiderlin. The Frenchman is one of the few players in world football who didn’t take part in Southampton’s mass-exodus during the summer.
That wasn’t for lack of trying, however. With both Arsenal and Tottenham interested, the midfielder certainly seemed keen on a move away. Unfortunately (for these clubs at least) a move never materialised. Perhaps things will go down differently this January?
The Metro claim that the bid that Arsenal are cooking up will ‘blow any rival offers out of the water’. It’s also suggested that The Gunners now have a ‘clear run to sign their man’. Things certainly seem to be heading in the right direction.
Morgan Schneiderlin has all the qualities necessary to excel in the defensive midfielder role at Arsenal. He’s tall, he’s powerful, he’s a great tackler and he’s confident in possession. He’s the full package, so let’s hope that Arsene Wenger can make it happen.
What’s your take? Can The Gunners finally close a deal for Morgan Schneiderlin?
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