On Thursday 16th of June 2011, 123 players were released from their Premier League contracts – some big name casualties of the home-grown rule, some casualties of long standing injuries, and some simply because they were just not good enough.
Wenger doesn’t need to be trawling through the KFC Bargain Bucket of football ‘has-beens’ or ‘never-weres’ for next year’s team. We have the finance streams to avoid this, but a few, just a small few, MAY be worth a look at for back up squad players, or just some well needed experience.
Start with the obvious one:
Patrick Vieira – My dad always said, ‘never go back son, the memory is always better’ and in this case this may well be true, but one season back at Arsenal could be very beneficial for both parties. Cover for Alex (especially in January for ACN), a natural born leader (even if just on training ground) and the experience of winning at Arsenal, would be invaluable for the team after the tail end of last season. For Paddy, a chance to reintegrate into the club, before (hopefully) moving onto the coaching team.
Owen Hargreaves – At one stage the Anglo German Canadian was the answer to the English midfield conundrum. A defensive, ball winning midfielder, who could multitask and was also forward thinking. Whilst at Munich, Wenger scouted Owen as a potential successor to the aforementioned Paddy, but his eyes were turned to the dark side and he chose Brand United. Blighted by injury for the past 3 years, Hargreaves would be a massive gamble, but at only 30 there is always hope, and on a pay as you play deal, could be a good defensive edition to the midfield.
Jonathon Woodgate – Yes he’s a spud, yes he’s had an injury wrecked career and yes he has turned down a pay as you play deal at Sh@te Hart Lane, but if he could be convinced that pay as you go is worth it to play in the Champions League, if fit, he could be a useful defensive cover option.
Matthew Upson – Another Ex-Gooner released by his club (well out of contract). On the fringes of the England squad, Matty Upson was also linked with a return to Arsenal in the past two seasons. Has the experience and ability to more than adequately backup our first choice centre-back pairing of Vermaelen and an other.
Arsenio Halfhuid – Just because of his name!!!!
Just a thought? #JustPuttingItOutThere!!!
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/wellmington
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.
NONE OF THE ABOVE! except hargreaves but chances he would do a pay as you play are about 0.1%
I would love to see Viera in Arsenal colours again. He is still a good player.