With the January transfer window opening, Arsenal find themselves third in the league and facing a League Cup semi final against Ipswich tonight. They have achieved this despite suffering big injuries to key players and being roundly criticised for not adding sufficient quality to the squad in the last transfer window. But with the rumour mill turning with some gusto, here is a shortlist of some players that Arsene Wenger could be considering.
Gary Cahill: Defender
What kind of player is he?: One of those good old-fashioned English centre-backs. Cahill is big, strong, good in the air and on the ball, and has flourished since moving to Bolton since in 2008. He has been a key member of Bolton’s resurgence this season and his fine form over the last few years was rewarded with an England debut in September 2010. Speculation has been rife regarding a move in January with Chelsea rumoured to be interested.
Why do Arsenal need him?: Arsenal have been hit with more bad news in defence with reports that Sebastien Squillaci faces two to three weeks on the sidelines and Thomas Vermaelen has suffered a setback in his return from injury. Arsenal have at times been suspect at the back and Cahill would fit seamlessly into Arsenal’s team and be a welcome presence within the back four. He also fits the calibre of the type of player Wenger would like to sign in January. Wenger said recently: “Ideally it would be better if they were adapted to English football because if you need players now in January you cannot wait three months before they can play for you.”.
Romelu Lukaku: Striker
What kind of player is he?: Despite only being 17 years old, Lukaku’s has style of play has earned him the title of the ‘New Didier Drogba’. He stands at 6ft 4in tall and weighs a healthy 14 stone. He has pace to burn and is touted as having a football brain beyond his years. He was top scorer in the Belgian Juliper League at the age of 16 with 15 goals from 24 games. Lukaku has committed his short term future to Anderlecht, but could be tempted should the right move materialize.
Why do Arsenal need him?: Much like in defence, Arsenal have had some dreadful luck with injuries to their attacking talent. The likes of Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner and Robin Van Persie have all spent time on the sidelines and Wenger could well be seeking striking reinforcements in January. Lukaku would offer Wenger a different striking option as a genuine target man who could also provide a real threat from set-pieces.
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Etienne Capoue: Midfielder
What kind of player is he?: Capoue is a 22 year-old defensive midfielder who currently plays for French side Toulouse. He’s a tall player, has great physical attributes and is well known for his no nonsense, well timed challenges. What he lacks technically he makes up for in work rate and effort.
Why do Arsenal need him?: Midfield is perhaps the place where Arsenal have the most depth and talent, but the Gunners could do with an additional midfield enforcer for those tricky away days. However, Wenger could be put off by Toulouse’s €10 million valuation of the player.
Maarten Stekelenburg: Goalkeeper
What kind of player is he?: Stekelenburg is a product of the renowned youth system at Ajax where he has played since 2001. Stekelenburg’s undoubted skill was clear for all to see during last year’s World Cup where he helped guide the Netherlands to a place in the final. He conceded five goals in the tournament, two of which where penalties, and made a number of notable saves including one from Kaka in their quarter-final triumph.
Why do Arsenal need him?: Arsenal’s need for a goalkeeper has been haunting them for a few years now and their failure to land Mark Schwarzer over the summer compounded their misery. However good Lukasz Fabianski might be, Stekelenburg is better and if Wenger can prise him away from Ajax then it would prove to me a major transfer coup for the Gunners and be invaluable for their title bid.
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