Despite managing to pull of the biggest transfer of the summer, many of the Arsenal fans were left a little aggrieved by Arsene Wenger’s decision not to sign a centre-back.
We only have two senior centre-backs currently fit, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker. Thomas Vermaelen is still out for a ‘good few weeks’ and Wenger’s decision not to bring in a cover option has seen him utilize Bacary Sagna in the centre of defence this season.
Although Vermaelen is on the mend, we should have really brought in another defender just in case Per or Kos pick up an injury or suspension.
As we all know the transfer window is shut, but clubs can still sign free agents. So all hope of signing in a new centre-back is not lost as there is an adequate player who can bolster our back-line for a season or two. And it will cost us absolutely nothing in transfer fees!!!
The defender I’m on about isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but packs a wealth full of experience. The man I’m going on about is Oguchi Onyewu.
The 31-year-old has played for a number of clubs in his career, clubs such as Newcastle, AC Milan, FC Twente, Sporting Lisbon and most recently Malaga on loan.
Onyewu has been a free agent since August 30th after Sporting terminated his contract by mutual consent and although he has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, the American centre-back possesses some good qualities and is generally a good defender. He is known for his aerial dominance, physicality, passing ability and positioning. And I for one think the 6’5’’ powerful defender can do a job for Arsenal.
I’m not exactly saying we should sign him up on a three-year deal, but he’s worth taking a punt on. A one-year or rolling contract in my opinion would suffice and that would be our lack of defensive options sorted at least for another year.
And he broke Ibrahimovic’s ribs….so there’s that.
As an American, this pains me to say, but Gooch is not the answer. Five or six years ago, maybe, but he’s had a lot of injury problems over the years and has never regained his rock-solid form. He had a couple of games with the USMNT over the summer and, frankly, was an embarrassment. I really wish him well, but I don’t see high-level European club soccer in his immediate future. Maybe if he goes the MLS route and gets a bunch more games under his belt, regaining confidence and fitness, he might be good… but that’s a long way off. Sorry to sound so harsh.