Sport
3 SIGNINGS WHO COULD TURN ARSENAL INTO TITLE CONTENDERS
As we approach the beginning of the 2015/16 pre-season, Arsenal fans will once again be casting beady eyes towards the Emirates and noting just how willing Arsene Wenger is to spend the Gunners’ pound.
Champions League football is all well and good for the north Londoners but the Premier League title has been a long time coming.
The continued good form of Alexis Sanchez and the recent signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea has given the supporters hope that their team is finally on the right track.
But there is still a nagging feeling that Arsenal need one or two players to take them up a notch.
Let’s identify three players who would make them genuine title contenders…
Pedro Rodriguez – Barcelona
Still just 27 years of age, Pedro has to consider his options at Barcelona now. Although he has recently extended his contract with the Catalans, this is seen as nothing more than the club being able to command a bigger fee for him.
Realistically, if Neymar, Suarez and Messi stay fit then Pedro isn’t going to get a look in.
Luis Enrique has already ordered that Munir El-Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez be promoted to the first team, which would mean three players vying for the odd spot now and then.
Pedro is too good for that, is known to be unhappy, so it’s probably best all round for him to make the move.
As quick as Theo Walcott but much more decisive, if Wenger can pick the Canary Islander up for £25 million, he will be bagging himself a bargain.
Rafael Varane – Real Madrid
With an probably departure of Sergio Ramos to Manchester United, it’s highly unlikely that Rafael Benitez would allow another central defender to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
But as we’ve seen many times in football circles, deals can be difficult, but never impossible.
French international Varane is still just 22 years of age yet is already the consummate central defender. He is known to be willing to make a move abroad after his representatives gave the green light to Jose Mourinho’s courting.
His style would suit the Gunners down to the ground. Commanding in the air, physical in the tackle and adept at bringing the ball out of defence, Varane has all of the key skills needed to make a success of a move to the Emirates.
He wouldn’t be cheap but if you want quality, you have to pay for it.
Alex Song – Barcelona (on loan, West Ham)
Don’t mock. We only need to take a look at how well the Cameroon international has settled back to life in London with West Ham to know that he is still defensive midfielder of note.
It’s a surprise frankly that his former side didn’t snap him up when it became clear he had no future at Barcelona.
Comments along the lines of he isn’t the player he was are ill-informed at best and are based on the fact he was unable to dislodge Sergio Busquets from central midfield.
Song isn’t frightened to put his foot in, is strong in the tackle and can break up play effectively. Something that Wenger has missed badly and hasn’t had since….well since Song was last in situ.
Don’t rule out an 11th hour bid.
