Arsenal has been heavily linked with the 24 year old Ivorian winger, whom plays for Lille. Gervinho has openly stated that he wishes to leave France for England, and as a result is being tracked by City, Liverpool, Everton, Spurs, and Newcastle along with, obviously, Arsenal. He is apparently priced at around ten million pounds, and not only that, Lille's general manager Frederic Paquet has said that he received an offer of 12 million pounds from Spurs, which was refused. Gervinho is a good player, and his stats say it all. (See below). But because Lille has qualified for the Champions League, Lille will be somewhat desperate to keep hold of the Ivorian.
Djourou himself has spoken of Gervinho, saying this:
"I have followed a bit of the French league this season and I have to say Gervinho is a great player, I have known him for a long time and he is just a great player - quick, with so much talent and good skills.Stats:
He is a great, great talent and we need that because he can play as a striker, as a No.10 or on the wing. He has all the ingredients to play for Arsenal, that is a definite."
(Ligue 1)
Games: 34
Goals: 14
Assists: 10
If we sign Gervinho, we most certainly are not going to sign Hazard as well. And while it would cost more to get Hazard, I think it's worth it...
EDEN HAZARD
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| He certainly looks good. |
Hazard is a 20 year old Belgian international, who helped Lille (along with Gervinho) to win Ligue 1. He is a very highly rated player, and shows a lot of promise. He would be the perfect replacement for Nasri; he can play as a winger and as an attacking midfielder.
Hazard has openly said that he wishes to join Arsenal, and not only that, he has met with Arsene multiple times. That would lead us to believe that if Arsenal managed to come to terms with Lille, coming to terms with Hazard wouldn't be too difficult.
Hazard is being tracked by multiple clubs, and I think we really need to sign him. Gervinho is a great player, no doubt, but Arsene needs to be more direct and splash the cash to get a very promising young player that can bring a lot to the club. Instead of bringing in some "halfway there" talents such as Denilson or Vela, Arsene should show some intent adn sign a player we all know can be great. Wenger needs to understand we don't have to buy youngsters in their teens that look like they can become great talents. Instead, we need to buy a young player that we know can turn into something great. Hazard is regarded as "the next Ronaldo", lets be the club that proves that.
When you look at Hazard's stats, they aren't as good as Gervinho's, however some of his goals have come at pivotal, well-timed moments for Lille. And having someone that scores in those crunch games is exactly what we need.
Above: Hazard's brilliant match winning goal against Lyon.
Stats:
(Ligue 1)
Games: 37
Goals: 7
Assists: 8
CHRISTOPHER SAMBA
When you hear the name Chris Samba, the first words that may pop into your head are "strong", "no-nonsense", and "big". Take this in contrast to a player like Koscielny who's tags could be "tactically sound", "composed", and "smart". Despite the fact that Koscielny is a very smart defender, and I think that is hard to deny, when you go to the home of the trolls (The Britannia Stadium), smarts can only get you so far. Sometimes you need that physically dominant edge. This is what Samba can give us.
Now, don't think that bringing in Samba will solve all our defensive problems- all respect to the player, but our defensive problems are something that can't be fixed by a few signings if you ask me. Our defense is shaky due to the coaching staff if you ask me. A change is needed there in my opinion. If not a change in personnel, then a change in philosophy.
Anywho, we have made contact with Blackburn about Samba. Early rumors are saying that Samba is priced at nine million pounds, which can work.
However, it may be difficult to land Samba because of the departure of Phil Jones to ManUre. And something interesting on that subject - Arsenal actually made a 17 million pound bid for Jones, but apparently Jones chose United as to stay up north.
To be honest, I'm not too disappointed we didn't get Jones. I'd rather not have another inexperienced center back.
What we should really take as a positive thing from our bid is that Wenger made a 17 million pound bid! He intended to break our transfer record. It looks like Wenger is changing his philosophy a little bit regarding purchases.
Stats:
(Premier League)
Games: 33
Goals: 4
Assists: 0
GARY CAHILL
Another center back which Arsenal is being linked with is Gary Cahill. To be honest, I'd prefer Samba over Cahill. Partly because, Cahill, like Jones, would be in the 17 million pounds range. I'd rather not pay that much for Cahill, and I really like Samba for his physical dominance.
Cahill is also being tracked by City, who reportedly already made a 17 million pound bid. In my eyes, Cahill is more likely to move to City because of the wage bill he will get there, and also he wouldn't have to relocate.
I'm pretty sure Arsenal don't plan on signing both defenders. 26 million for two defenders is a little much, defensive problems or not.
Stats:
(Premier League)
Games: 36
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
SUMMARY
It's fairly simple. Arsenal can't sign both Gervinho and Hazard. Firstly because Lille wouldn't allow it, and secondly because our transfer budget wouldn't allow it. I think going for Hazard would be a much better idea; he is a promising young player with bundles of talent. He has said he wishes to come to Arsenal, which would make his wages easier to negotiate.
However, if Arsene decided to sign Gervinho, we would miss out on a big opportunity to sign Hazard, despite the fact Gervinho is a cheaper option. Not only that, Gervinho is being tracked by multiple clubs, specifically City. If both Arsenal and City made identical bids for Gervinho, the odds are in favor of City mainly because of their ability to shell out a higher wage.
Final decision: BRING IN HAZARD.
In regard to Samba and Cahill, Cahill is the better overall defender, in my opinion. But, Cahill would cost an extra eight million. I like the physicality and height Samba would give us, but Cahill is a slightly better technical defender. Also, Cahill has that English mentatlity that Arsenal has often been criticized for lacking. But despite being French, I think Samba also has that.
Final decision: BRING IN SAMBA.
Well I think I'll wrap it up there for today. Tomorrow I'll have more, specifically the Clichy situation, and other news of course if anything pops up.
Cheers all.
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