For once, Arsenal fans are unanimous: their club did exactly what they needed to do during the most recent iteration of the transfer window.
This fan-base is accustomed to their club leaving its most important bits of business until the very last moment. They’re used to their club selling important players, or not bringing in the reinforcements that they clearly need. This January, things were different.
Arsene Wenger knew that he needed another centre-back to balance his squad, he drew up a list of candidates and he worked hard to bring somebody in. He ended up signing Gabriel Paulista, a well-regarded centre-back from Villarreal.
This was good news for everybody. Well, nearly everybody. Spare a thought, if you will for Loic Perrin.
Perrin is the 29-year-old captain of Ligue 1 side, Saint Etienne. He was also a major target for The Gunners last month and it looks like he was keen on the move. Check out these comments from the player himself.
‘There were serious contacts via my agent. I think I was on a shortlist but not at the very top apparently. A transfer in this window, it is difficult. But it is difficult to refuse Arsenal. I have always said that if I have to leave St Étienne, one day, it would be for a bigger club, a club that plays Champions League. A club like Arsenal, I don’t think many Ligue 1 players would refuse.’ (Source: The Metro)
It sounds like he’s disappointed, but not bitter. In other words, if Arsenal were still interested in Perrin next summer, they’d probably be able to wrap up a deal with relative ease.
If Gabriel Paulista fails to make the grade, or (God forbid) Laurent Koscielny’s injury problems worsen, there’s a pre-determined solution already in place. Maybe Loic Perrin will get the move he seems to want after all.
What’s your take? Should Arsenal maintain their interest in Loic Perrin? Is it time for The Gunners to start looking at younger defensive options?
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