Transfer News - Benzema, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Clichy - With Other Transfer Updates

KARIM BENZEMA

He's just what we need.

     Karim Benzema. He certainly is a big name. That would lead you to believe Arsene would never go for him. However, I'm very glad to hear Arsene's quotes regarding the French striker:

     "Signing him does not seem impossible. He's a player that I like. He's intelligent in his movement, he is capable of combining well with others and making a difference, and of doing individual moves as well. So, for me, he's a player who's at the top level in the world."

     If you're wondering why Wenger said signing him does not seem impossible, it's because Madrid is in a similar position to us. Like Nasri, Benzema only has one year left on his contract. If Benzema decides not to sign a new contract, next season he would be a free agent. If that were to happen, I would predict he would go to City or Chelsea, simply because of the wage bill he can get there in contrast to us.
     Henceforth, I think Arsenal should really shell out the cash to buy Benzema now. Benzema is 23, and a proven player. He has all the qualities that Arsenal needs in a striker:

• He's a direct striker; he will attack the near post.
• He's good in the air.
• He can finish, obviously.
• His movement is fantastic. 
• While he does play in Spain now, I'm confident he could deal with the physical demands of the Premier League.

     I think this is enough "evidence" to say that Benzema should become an Arsenal player. We have Sagna and perhaps Nasri and Clichy, who could possibly  lure their compatriot to the Emirates.

     Theo is keen on having Benzema at the Emirates, perhaps deliberately helping Arsene out by saying this: 

     “Its always nice to see new additions to the squad but maybe one player will attract more players and keep players. I've heard rumors of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. Someone like that would help you hold on to your best players, get the crowd on their feet as well. The boss knows what he's doing and he says he is going to spend so it will be interesting."

     Buying Benzema could be difficult and also easy. It's no secret that Mourinho doesn't like Benzema. That could make signing him slightly easier, along with the fact that Benzema has only one year left on his contract.
It's been rumored that Arsenal could sign Benzema for just around seven million. If that were the case, I'm pretty sure Arsenal would've made inquiries by now.
     In order to get Benzema off Madrid's hands, I would make a smart guess that around 20 million would do the job.
     But oh wait, there is a little snag. Mourinho said this when he spoke with Cadena ser Late, a Spanish radio show:

     “It is not a case of me refusing to sell them. I don’t make those decisions. If the club want to do something, I’m nobody. We all agree on Higuain and Benzema: we want to keep them.”

     So it's the big boss upstairs wants to keep Benzema, not Mourinho. I still think 20 million could take him off their hands, and I really hope Arsene makes this deal happen, somehow. Benzema is exactly what we need.

Stats: 
(La Liga)
Games: 33
Goals: 15
Assists: 5



ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN

     Arsenal's interest in the 17 year old winger has been anything but secretive. It has been widely known that a move was imminent, as expressed by Alex's father:

     "Considering where he was at the beginning of the season and end of last season, to have the clubs we’ve been hearing about looking at him, he’s made great strides.
But watching him and watching his performances I think it’s well deserved. He’s only going to get better.
     A lot of people speak to me and say ‘Maybe it’s too soon, look at Theo.’ But for me I think Theo’s doing fantastic, he’s developing as a player, he’s still developing and he’s only young.
     To develop at a place like Arsenal can’t be a bad thing. In my eyes, I’d like him to go there as soon as possible, and continue his development."

     Clearly Arsenal has the support of Alex's father, and he is right; Arsenal really is a fantastic place for a young player to develop.

Little YouTube clip of some Oxlade-Chamberlain magic.

     Reports are saying that Arsenal has signed Alex for a fee of around 12 million, and while it hasn't been officially released by the club, it is rumored that Alex took a plane for vacation with the knowledge that the deal will be completed and he will be revealed as an Arsenal player on July 1st.
     Although nothing has been decided/released yet, I'm hearing concrete rumors that once Alex signs, he will return to Southampton on loan to continue with his development.

     There have also been rumors of United and Liverpool hijacking the deal, but I think these are just silly rumors. Even if either club tried to hijack the deal, I doubt it would follow through, seeing just how much Alex's father wants him to go to Arsenal.

     Alex is regarded as the next Theo Walcott. He's short and stocky, but a very tricky, fast player. His acceleration is astounding. I can't wait to see him in an Arsenal shirt.

Stats:
(League One)
Games: 34
Goals: 10
Assists: 9



GAEL CLICHY

Wait...what happens when the ball goes into the opponents goal?
I'm not sure, so I'll just act natural.

     Well well well. Clichy. The last remaining player from the Invincible squad. He hasn't exactly been a rock at the back, or too much of a threat going forward. Defensively, his mind would switch off at times and it would cost us. His positioning was poor, and in a one on one situation he was often caught out. In fact, if he wasn't fast, I'm not sure how good he would seem.
     Going forward, his crosses were shit. Let's be honest. The balls he put in were terrible, 80% of the time. And for a team that is so poor in the air, the two factors didn't mix well.
     He has never really been a consistent performer, and perhaps his departure would be a good thing for the club. Even though I still love him.

     Apparently Clichy has told the club that he wishes to leave this summer, and Liverpool has made a 5 million pound bid that was rejected. Along with Liverpool in the chase for Clichy is Inter, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and City.
     That's a lot of big, wealthy, clubs, and it would only be smart to really get as much money out of the other club as we can.
     Also, Arsene has said that he would not allow Cesc or Nasri to play in England, so that could only lead me to believe the same would be for Clichy.


     If Clichy does leave, or when he leaves, we CANNOT have Gibbs become our starter. He is the definition of "injury prone" and to be honest, he was shit this past season, regardless of the fact he probably wasn't 100% fit for the majority of his matches.
     Traore is not the answer either. I've seen him play for Juventus on loan before, and he is even worse than Clichy is at crossing. And while on the subject of Traore, congratulations to him. He just got married a few days ago.

     With that, Arsenal may have to look into a new signing for Clichy's vacated spot. Everton's Leighton Baines is the current favorite to fill the spot, however signing him would be difficult as it can only be expected that the transfer fee would be higher than Wenger would like.
     Another name that has been thrown around is Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre, but to be honest I know very little about him and would rather not speak of things I know nothing about.

I think he could look good in red.

STATS: 

Clichy-
(Premier League)
Games: 33
Goals: 0
Assists: 1

Baines: 
(Premier League)
Games: 38
Goals: 5
Assists: 11

Izaguirre
(Scottish Premier League) 
Games: 33
Goals: 1
Assists: 4

     So, based on the stats, Baines would be the best option. Talk about an attacking full back. I like it.

 

Emilio Izaguirre

SUMMARY:
     While Arsene may have to shell out some cash to sign him, Benzema is the perfect fit for Arsenal. He's an intelligent footballer, he's direct, good in the air, and can play with his back to goal. I really want him at Arsenal.

     After seeing Chamberlain against United, and a handful of YouTube video's giving some highlights, he looks very good, especially for a mere 17 year old. The next Theo Walcott? I think he could surpass Theo to be honest.

     I love Clichy, but his inconsistency means maybe it would be a good time for him to leave Arsenal, especially if we are trying to reorganize our defense. However, Gibbs is not the answer, and just because Baines, looks good, doesn't necessarily mean he would be. Really only one way to find out though, no?


NASRI, FABREGAS, CAHILL, AND GERVINHO UPDATE:
     Arsene Wenger was interviewed on French Television and said:

     "We will do everything we can to keep him (Nasri) at Arsenal"

      During the same interview, Wenger spoke of the Fabregas situation:

     "The Spanish press have been talking for years. I'll be clear: Fabregas is still a Gunner, and will be for a long time"

     L'Equipe has come out today and said that Gervinho has given Arsene Wenger his word that he will go to Arsenal. It's up to you whether or not to believe that.

     Regarding Cahill, there are lots of rumors that Bolton have accepted Arsenal's bid. No concrete behind this, but this rumor is certainly circulating quite a bit. Also hearing rumors that Cahill was at London Colney for discussions and a medical. That part I especially don't belieive to be honest.
     Then again, I'm hearing Cahill is on his way to City!
     I know just as much as you do as of now... It's all just rumors and speculation.

     I'll be back tomorrow with more. Make sure you leave comments with your thoughts. And despite what some may think, you don't need a Google account to comment - just drop a comment as an Anonymous.
     Have a good Sunday.