Arsenal set sights on defensive solutions
Arsene Wenger and Arsenal are hoping to lure the highly experienced French defender, Phillippe Mexes to the Emirates. This was after they failed to land a number of defensive targets, that were expected to come to the Emirates. Arsenal have lost the services of Mikel Silverstre, William Gallas and Sol Campbell, this summer. Those names may appear to be the names of players that the fans wanted to see leave the club as it is, however it has now left a major hole in the Arsenal defensive line. Arsene Wenger has been on the search for another solid, experienced centre back and his search has led him to Roma’s centre back, Mexes.
The Arsenal manager had been linked to the player numerous times in the past, but has finally decided to go in for the kill. He is now considering a serious move for the former Auxerre player, before the close of the current transfer window. Mexes managed to start in only sixteen Italian Seire A matches. While the player is still a important part of Claudio Ranieri’s plans for the future of the club, the player might still be sold. The Toulouse born player has been linked for a move away from Roma and the Stadio Olimpico for a while now. He was previously linked with a move to Russian side, Zenit St Petersburg but now it appears as though Arsenal are the new favourites to land the players signature.
Mexes was constantly dropped by Ranieri last season for major portions of the Serie A season and title chasse last season. His current deal is also nearing completion as it will be completed at the end of the coming season. It is strongly believed that the player has expressed his desire to leave the club after his contract runs out, in order to pursue a new challenge. Most people believe that he would move to either England or Spain after having already spent six years in the Italian Serie A.
Mexes also believes that a fresh start could help rejuvenate his chances for making a comeback on the international stage. Mexes was omitted from the French squad for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, due to the lack of playing time that he saw all season long. He has however been called up to Laurent Blanc’s French squad for the upcoming frendlies. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the French squad is currently facing a suspension. The player has only managed thirteen appearances in the international squad ever since he made his debut for France way back in 2002.
Arsene Wenger has been a long time admirer of the player and feels that this could be the summer that the player made a move to the Emirates. He also feels that the inclusion of the player into the Arsenal squad could help aid the cause of the Gunners and help them launch a successful title challenge this coming season.
Considering Mexes’s contract is going to expire in a year, Roma will be giving this move a second thought. Roma has the option of either making nine million pounds off the player, which they can invest elsewhere or they can let the player go for free next season. The experts strongly believe that Roma will be tempted by this offer and would be willing to let the French defender leave for England. This move could prove to be highly beneficial for Arsenal also, who will finally have the extra defensive reinforcements that they have wanted to sign for a while now.
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