View From The Sphere

Would these two centre-backs add solidarity to Arsenal’s back-line?

|

Arsene Wenger recently stated that this summer will be one of his busiest in a while. With that in mind, are Scott Dann and Roger Johnson the kind of players the Gunners need to tighten up their shaky defence?

With Birmingham City’s season ending in relegation, a number of Premier League sides will undoubtedly be looking to steal their star players.

Scott Dann and Roger Johnson, who were the cornerstones of Birmingham’s 2009/10 Premier League campaign, look to be the first two on several clubs shopping lists this summer. Despite turning down interest from other clubs last summer, it looks as though things might be different this time around.

Leading the list of top flight buyers for Dann and Johnson are Arsenal and Tottenham. Despite both defenders suffering from knocks, especially Scott Dann, who was sidelined for the majority of the season which hindered Birmingham City’s chances, both appear to be confident centre-backs.

Although the Blues overcame all the odds to beat Arsenal for the Carling Cup, they were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season. However, club owner, Carson Yeung, has decided to stick with Alex McLeish, but it seems several players will be up for sale at the right price this summer.

Dann and Johnson, who both have a year left on their current contracts, are highly unlikely to sign new deals, which has left Birmingham City in quite a predicament this summer – cash in now, or lose them on a free after next season.

Birmingham City Chairman Peter Pannu recently stated that the club would let their top players leave for around £10-15 million, which in Arsene Wenger’s opinion might be too much – judging by his recent signings in the past.

Arsenal scouts believe that Dann and Johnson function better in a unit rather than individuals, meaning that the Gunners would have to try and persuade the Blues to sell both defenders in a unique deal.

Undoubtedly, Wenger will be looking to strengthen his much criticized back-four this summer.

Dann and Johnson certainly have ability, and above all, Premier League experience under their belt. However, whether they would be able to hack it at Arsenal is up for debate.

Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/Eon_93

Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so.

Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details.

Share this article

huge Arsenal fan, love the team and all that comes with it.follower of all kinds of sports, football being my first love, yet to attend my first arsenal game but i am planning too, some time in the not to distant future. i enjoy writing as well, that's how i ended up here, never looked back....

9 comments

  • Samuel says:

    So would the two Birmingham centrebacks be able to hack it Arsenal ,no point in guessing,so why buy them in the first place?

    • WC says:

      That statement is ridiculous. By that logic CRonaldo or Messi cannot hack it at Arsenal either because we’re just guessing if they can.

      The point of scouting or buying a player is always a leap of faith that they can assimilate into the team. There’s never a guarantee, only educated guesses, mixed with a bit of all out hope.

  • Tina says:

    No way these two would add value to Arsenal . They are not ball playing defenders and lack pace which are the ingredients of an Arsenal CB .

    Not good for Arsenal on any day

    • WC says:

      Ingredients of an Arsenal CB? You mean the ones we have now have the right ingredients? Conceding the most goals from set pieces in all of the league is now one of the job requirements for Arsenal defenders?

      Don’t be daft, ball playing defenders haven’t worked particularly well for us for the past 6 years – why do we need more of them?

      Roger Johnson has shown himself to be a very consistent defender this season. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done and does so for a piss poor team. He’s a player that would bring quality depth to a fragile defense.

  • tristan says:

    This is a ridiculous story. Can’t believe I wasted my time reading this. Wow.

  • harki gigli says:

    what a load of crap mate. you are talking about birmingham players playing for arsenal here. were you born last night?

  • Bee says:

    I don’t think these two players are good enough to play for Arsenal. The fact is Birmingham were relegated which makes questions the defence. Personally I think they are not good enough but I could be proven wrong.

    • WC says:

      I hope you’re not one of those people who wants Jagielka because he was from a relegated Sheffield United so he must not be good either but damn if there aren’t a large section of fans who would die for a defender like him in our ranks.

      Oh and Scott Parker is on a relegated team too so he must be terrible, let’s forget about buying him right?

  • segs says:

    no way pls wenger should not buy players that could not save their club from relegation. they needed to defend a 1-1 draw on the final day but failed. so pls they are really not the answer to arsenal’s defensive wooes.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *