Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger was resolute not to spend during the January transfer window. However, with Squillaci’s possible long absence, the coach has admitted that he may have to think otherwise...
During last weekend’s draw against Leeds United in the FA Cup 3rd Round, Sebastien Squillaci suffered a muscle strain which could leave him sidelined for some weeks for Arsenal. Already, the Gunners are without central defender Thomas Vermaelen – meaning that the team’s available defensive duo (made of Djourou and Koscielny) would struggle to cooperate should it be hit by suspension or injury.
ESPN Soccernet reported Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger as explaining the matter. The Frenchman stated:
“If we only have 2 centre-backs, then that can’t work with the number of centre-backs that we have. If Squillaci has a problem, then we must quickly go out for a player.”
Everton’s Phil Jagielka was rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar during last summer’s transfer window and so was Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker. Concerning the latter, Arsenal may not have the chance to sign him this month after a source exclusively told Goal.com UK that the player may only quit Bremen next summer as his price tag is of £20million.
Besides all these speculations, one thing that remains to be sorted out is whether Arsenal will be looking to buy a first-choice centre-back or a defender that will only serve as a quick replacement. The Gunners’ agenda is a busy one – with a Carling Cup match against Ipswich, an FA Cup replay against Leeds United, and a two-legged tie against Barcelona in the Champions League adding to their English Premier League fixtures.
In this case, Arsene Wenger will prefer to sacrifice money for a new defender instead of facing the consequences of being so penny-pinching throughout the January transfer window. Who could be the next centre-back to land at Arsenal soon?
ESPN Soccernet reported Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger as explaining the matter. The Frenchman stated:
“If we only have 2 centre-backs, then that can’t work with the number of centre-backs that we have. If Squillaci has a problem, then we must quickly go out for a player.”
Everton’s Phil Jagielka was rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar during last summer’s transfer window and so was Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker. Concerning the latter, Arsenal may not have the chance to sign him this month after a source exclusively told Goal.com UK that the player may only quit Bremen next summer as his price tag is of £20million.
Besides all these speculations, one thing that remains to be sorted out is whether Arsenal will be looking to buy a first-choice centre-back or a defender that will only serve as a quick replacement. The Gunners’ agenda is a busy one – with a Carling Cup match against Ipswich, an FA Cup replay against Leeds United, and a two-legged tie against Barcelona in the Champions League adding to their English Premier League fixtures.
In this case, Arsene Wenger will prefer to sacrifice money for a new defender instead of facing the consequences of being so penny-pinching throughout the January transfer window. Who could be the next centre-back to land at Arsenal soon?
