Arsene Wenger considering signing Tottenham Hotspur central defender Jonathan Woodgate
Arsenal are considering to make a bid for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jonathan-Woodgate-c19069, days after the Tottenham Hotspur central defender returned to action having recovered from a groin injury. Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign a decent defender during
the January transfer window after the injury crisis at the Emirates Stadium, with both http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002 and Sebastien Squillaci sidelined with injuries. The French manager believes Woodgate is the right player to stabilize his defence as the Gunners aim to
maintain a good form as the title race intensifies.
The 31-year-old defender was out with a groin injury that was thought to end his playing career. However, he seems to have recovered from that injury after he featured in Spurs XI’s clash against Queen’s Park http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Rangers-c40314 reserves.
The 9-2 thrashing of QPR reserves was Woodgate’s first match since November 2009. Nonetheless, despite being out for more than a year, the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international did put up an impressive performance. Woodgate will require more hours in the gym and on the training
pitch to return to his old form.
Jonathan arrived at White Hart Lane from Middlesbrough in 2008 and quickly became a regular with the Spurs. His defensive qualities, which include composure while in possession, attacking surges and covering up for his partner,
impressed the fans and the manager. He became the White Hart Lane favourite when he scored the winner in the 2-1 Carling Cup final win over London rivals Chelsea at Wembley in his first season with the Spurs. However, the groin injury was a serious blow to
the club as they saw one of their best defenders sidelined for an indefinite period.
Harry Redknapp revealed he was pleased to welcome back Woodgate and said he would be willing to let the player make a loan move, which would be aimed at improving his fitness and getting him first team practice. However, it is
not sure how Redknapp would feel about Wenger’s side making an offer for the player, even for a loan move. If the local rivalry is put on hold and talks are held, and if the right price is agreed upon then Woodgate could very well be on his ways to the Emirates
Stadium.
Arsenal have also been linked with a £15million swoop for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 target. However, Wenger, who is not known for splashing cash, would prefer a loan for Woodgate instead of a permanent one for Cahill. The Arsenal
boss should keep in mind though that the Tottenham defender has a very poor fitness record, which could turn out badly for the Gunners if Woodgate picks up another injury mid-season. If he remains fit, he will be an excellent addition to the Arsenal squad,
as his experience will bring a lot to the relatively younger Arsenal side.
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