Morning all.
Lot of suggestions this morning that we’re trying to do a deal for Julian Draxler this January. On the one hand, yes please, this lad is something special. But on the other, in the current circumstances, is he the man to tip the balance of the title fight in our favour?
Even if Arsene Wenger wants to convert him into a striker – something you could easily see happen in the future given his physique and quality – it’s going to take some time to do that. It’s not as if he arrives, we stick a centre-forward label on him and off he goes. It’s a role that needs something of an education, and the run in of a Premier League campaign is hardly the time and the place.
It’s why I’d have some reservations about somebody like Morata coming in. Yes, he’d be another option, something a bit different, but again his relative inexperience has to be taken into account. When you’re under severe pressure, which we are going to be when you look at the fixtures we’ve got, will that be a help or a hindrance. With no expectation due to his age, and the fact he has to adapt, learn a language etc, he could play with a youthful freedom – perhaps like a 17 year old Anelka in 1998.
It could easily go the other way though, a pressure cauldron, games against the big teams, so many crucial points up for grabs could have a negative impact on his performances. However, if he’s hoping to make it big at the Bernebeu, it’s something he’s got to prove he can cope with, so it’s hard to say. I’m sure, if any deal does go through, the boss well be well informed about his character and temperament, and that will play a part in any final decision.
As for Draxler, I guess it all comes down to whether Schalke will sell at a price that suits Arsenal. I don’t have any real doubts about the player wanting to come. Reports say he’s already had a look at the training ground etc, and with our German contingent he’d have few issues settling in, so let’s just wait and see how far we’re prepared to take it this month. There’s no doubt we really want him, it’s just a question of when it might happen.
Until anything happens though, we have to remain focused on the players we have, and as yet there’s no update on Nacho Monreal’s injury. Again, as the clamour for an exciting attacking signing continues, I’d still harbour concerns about our defensive options. So much of this season has been built on the solidity back there, so to lose what it is a very good option would be a blow.
While the ‘first choice’ back four have been superb all season, it’s easy to overlook the fact that competition has played a part in that. Gibbs has pushed on knowing Monreal, a Spanish international, is waiting in the wings. The former Malaga man has made regular cameos throughout the season as the manager looks to shore up games, a reminder to Gibbs that he’s there and ready to step in and have a go at keeping the place for himself.
Mertesacker and Koscielny have formed a truly brilliant partnership, but both of them know club captain Thomas Vermaelen is chomping at the bit to play if either of them let their form drop. The BFG spoke in glowing terms of the Belgian last week and while it’s difficult for Vermaelen to sit on the bench, especially in World Cup year, and watch Mertescienly play out of their skin every week, his presence has an impact.
Szczesny has Fabianski and an experienced Italian to keep him on his toes, and even if Carl Jenkinson isn’t going to usurp Bacary Sagna yet, the Frenchman’s remarkable consistency will be informed by the young Gooner’s desire to play.
I’ve always thought we were a centre-half light this season, so if there’s a serious injury to Monreal, Vermaelen would provide cover for left-back. Gibbs has, seemingly, overcome the niggly period of injuries young players often go through as they get used to first team football, but for me it would be too much of a risk to play all our centre-halves in one game if there was an issue with Gibbs.
I suppose that’s why stories linking us with Nottingham Forest defender Jamaal Lascelles make some sense. I don’t know anything about our supposed interest, but in terms of the profile he fits the bill. You bring in a young player with potential who, for this season at least, isn’t going to rock the boat. He doesn’t push Vermaelen any further down the pecking order, he’s insurance if anything does go wrong with the players we’ve got, and when summer comes he might well find himself closer to first team action. A long-term solution but also a fix for a short-term puzzle.
Even if Monreal is fine I’d like us to sign a defensive player this January. I know we have versatility in the squad with Sagna able to play centre-half and Flamini in either full back position, but I also think players should play in their most natural positions as much as possible. The manager will be well aware of what certain players want to do in the summer, and it’s something he’ll have to deal with then anyway. If we can find the right man now, I think we’d be wise to do it.
Till tomorrow.
