I recently read (on talkSPORT.com) that Khalid Boulahrouz’s contract with Stuttgart is set to expire this summer. It is also suggested that Arsenal should be keeping a close eye on the situation, as they could benefit from strengthening their back-lines.
Now before making a decision on whether we should snap him up for nothing this summer, let’s take a closer at the player in question.
Known as ‘Khalid the Cannibal’, because he apparently ‘eats up’ his opponents, Boulahrouz is a strong, versatile centre-back and Dutch international, one who has won 35 caps since 2004.
He once played for Chelsea, making a total of 23 appearances for the Blues, so he does have a little Premier League experience in his locker.
He spent a season out on loan at Sevilla (from Chelsea) in 2007. He only managed to make six appearances for the La Liga club before being sold to Stuttgart for around €5 million the following season.
This season the Dutchman has featured 21 times in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart, scoring just the two goals along the way.
Former Manchester United centre-back Jaap Stam once labelled him as his possible ‘successor’, and is a great character to have around the dressing room, according to Edwin van der Sar. Robin van Persie is also a very close friend of Boulahrouz.
But with his current contract set to expire and no signs of signing a new one with the German outfit, would it be wise for Arsene Wenger to make a move for the 30-year-old defender and snap him up on a free this summer?
To be honest, I would rather see a more youthful defender come in this summer, someone like Jan Vertonghen, who is reportedly interested in a move to Arsenal.
However, I believe Boulahrouz would be an astute signing by the Gunners, should Wenger sign him of course. First and foremost, it will cost us nothing in transfer fees to acquire him. And secondly, he is an experienced defender who can play anywhere across the back-line
Would he be a regular? I doubt it, but his versatility would be very handy to have.
If Arsenal do decide to go for Boulahrouz this summer then they will face competition from AC Milan, who are believed to be keeping tabs on the Dutchman.
What do you guys reckon – should Arsenal look to sign Boulahrouz on a free at the end of the season?
Give us your thoughts on the matter below
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spuiz mk2
The manner in which he is moving around tell a different story!
Here-today-gone-tomorrow!
Let me remind you of our other ‘experienced signings’ Silvestre and Squillaci. Case closed
Arsene wengar should bring kahlid to Arsenal squard in the next transfer window, so that the gunners will have more defenders at the reserve bench.
Forget this waste of space, as the above comment said silvestre & squillaci displays in an arsenal shirt were absolutely abominations! If he was truly that great a defender then Chelsea would not have let him go….
Vertonghen yes & we should recall Bartley, he should be given his chance, infect Id prefer him to miquel them old firm derbys that he played in really toughened him up & I think he could add abit of English determination & steel to our side
He’s crap
who rights this stuff? The bundesliga is a very good league but the premier league is a different kettle of fish. There are many good players in that league but not many good defenders. I cant count 5 top defenders in that league who can play for a top four side.
No, poor signing even on a free transfer.
Only free transfers I think we should take into consideration are Junior Hoilett, Ivica Olic, Jefferson Farfan and Cristian Chivu.