Arsenal Transfers: The Gunners looks short of 2 defensive players

Photo: Alexis (Getty Images)

For the past decade or so in the English Premier League, the title has been lifted by the team not necessarily playing the best football but certainly the most consistent football. The term consistency here means being able to pick up points regularly at home and on the road. Last season Arsene Wenger’s men were arguably the most consistent up until injuries pegged them back at the end of February early March. The fans would have hoped Wenger would make the necessary preparations to add to all the right areas in the summer but they may feel a bit let down by their boss.

Entering into the break and with the World Cup ahead, Wenger knew he had to replace Bacary Sagna who had decided not to sign a new deal. The longest serving manager in the BPL had been following Ivorian powerhouse Serge Aurier for quite a long time but opted to sign fellow Frenchman, right back Mathieu Debuchy. The former Lille man was followed to the Emirates by Callum Chambers, David Ospina, Alexis Sanchez and deadline day signing Danny Welbeck.

The Arsenal supporters would have hoped their manager brought in an experienced defender since club captain Thomas Vermaelen left for Barcelona as well as a defensive midfielder to bolster the middle of the park. With that said Yardie Sports takes a look at what the players will offer and how well Arsenal did in the summer’s transfer market.

David Ospina

In Ospina, the Gunners has brought in a top class goalkeeper at the age of just 26 years. The Colombian is known for putting his body on the line to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net. Along with his bravery and courage, Ospina’s handling is immaculate. His reflexes are first class and he is very commanding in the penalty area. He reads the game well and is a vocal player who can organise his defense. He will push Wojciech Szczesny for the number one spot and could take over that role during the course of the season.

Callum Chambers

Young Chambers is one of the top young talents of English football. The 19 year old got his education at Southampton and has developed into an exciting prospect for England. He is a versatile player, capable of playing in central defense and right back but Wenger thinks he has the ability to also play in central midfield. He has a good temperament and anticipates well. He is quite comfortable on the ball and for a boy so young, he general gets himself into great defensive positions. He will hope to get a lot of minutes this season and if he does he will surely develop into a very good defender this season.

Mathieu Debuchy

After spending most of his career at Lille in France, Debuchy moved to Newcastle after an excellent Euro 2012 campaign. He struggled at first but then he started to show why he was the first choice right back for his country. Known for his incredible stamina and great defensive play especially in one-on-one situations, the 29 year old is also a threat going forward. He is very comfortable on the ball and his final cross is generally good. He is a great addition to the squad and should be a success at the Emirates.

Alexis Sanchez

Alexis is perhaps the best buy by Arsene Wenger. The Chilean speedster is one of the best attackers in the world as he can score goals as well as make them. He is lighning quick and has the natural ability to get past his marker. He is perhaps most effective playing in wide areas but he will always be a threat on goal. He works tirelessly for his team and the fans will appreciate that part of his game as much as his tricks and goals. He brings more goals and creativity to the Gunners and if he forms a good partnership with Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil then Arsenal should lift more trophies this season.

Danny Welbeck

He is perhaps not what the fans were hoping for in terms of a striker but Wenger has pulled off a great signing here. At the age of 23 years, Welbeck is already a Premier League champions and is vastly experienced at club and international level. He has loads of Champions League experience and is used to playing infront of large crowds and in the most hostile atmospheres. The former Man United striker will offer more pace and power upfront as well as industry. He is unpredictable, likes to link up the play and his ability to run in behind the defense could be excellent for Arsenal.

Despite spending on players at a good age in the hope of keeping them at the Emirates for a long time, Arsenal seems to be short of defenders. They have Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and young Chambers as their central defenders and Chambers will have to play at right back if and when needed. Surely they would have liked another established defender but they were rejected on deadline day by Manchester City’s Matija Nastasic. They also lack a genuine ball winner in midfield. Wenger wanted Morgan Schneiderlin but he was forced to stay at Southampton. Portuguese powerhouse William Carvalho was also a target but they could not agree a fee for the 22 year old.

Overall, Wenger did a good job in the market. They added youth with experience and in Sanchez and Welbeck they have champions in terms of pedigree and character. They have a very good squad but if they even had managed to get another defender then they would be serious title contenders. They should be able to add to the squad in January which is just 4 months away and the fans will hope they have enough to at least secure a place in the Champions League next season.