Most encouraging rumours out there today are that Arsenal are still in the hunt for a new central defender. The Mertesacker story is still there plus now there is talk of Udinese’s Zapata as well. Personally, what I’ve seen of Mertesacker worries me. I don’t think he has any pace or that he reads the game that well. I know he plays for Germany but I think that says more about the German central defenders available. Plus, Germany’s excellent midfield play shield their back four.
Zapata I know less about though what’s out there on video looks good. Is this a really story or just his agent trying to get him a move? It reads a bit like the latter but who knows.
Anyway at least the word is that Arsene Wenger is still looking to strengthen at the back. Obviously no deal is done yet, hence the talk of how well Nordtveit is doing – to manage our expectations of more big transfers.
Less exciting is the story that young Dutch midfielder Afellay may be heading for the Emirates. Obviously he’s a good player but a young attacking midfielder just ain’t the priority right now.
Hopefully the appointment of Hughes at Craven Cottage means that the Schwarzer deal can be decided one-way or the other and we can take some step forward on the quest for a new goalkeeper.
