Arsenal’s recent performance against Liverpool will have done little to dispel the ‘myth’ that Arsene Wenger’s boys are incapable of beating the big teams. The Gunners played well within themselves at all times and somehow looked completely exhausted within the first 15 minutes of the game. The Reds out-fought Arsenal, out-passed them, out-tackled them and were more dangerous in the final third.
The 2-2 score-line flattered The Gunners.
Arsenal’s lack of defensive options and their midfield injury crisis is really holding them back. If they’re to improve in the second half of the season, these are the areas that Arsene Wenger needs to bolster during the January transfer window.
Unfortunately for Arsenal, one of their long-term targets has just agreed a contract extension with his current club. The man in question is Germany international Christoph Kramer. After a number of impressive performances in the 2014 World Cup, Kramer had started to attract the attention of a few big clubs. With Arsenal in need of a new defensive midfielder, he looked like a good solution.
And yet, he’s committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen. Check out these comments from the player himself:
‘After discussions with the management at Leverkusen, it didn’t take me long to decide to extend my contract. The complete package of the team, the coaches and the club as a whole were all just right for me. I’ve been at Bayer since I was in the youth sides and I always dreamed of making it into the first team squad. I’ve done it via VfL Bochum and Borussia Monchengladbach and it’s a great feeling for me.’ (Source: The Metro)
He’s clearly very happy at Leverkusen. What’s more his price-tag will have risen significantly.
This is deeply unfortunate. Arsene Wenger will either have to pay top dollar for him, or look elsewhere. Perhaps he’ll finally be able to wrap up a deal for either Sami Khedira or Morgan Schneiderlin.
One way or another, Arsene Wenger can’t let this set-back hold him back. He needs to take action sooner rather than later.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal continue to chase Christoph Kramer?
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