Football Update: Arsenal new transfer target- John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen
Arsene Wenger had a tremendously stressful and active summer. Arsenal has not won a single trophy in last five years so ‘The Professor’ vowed to implement few changes into his fringe and youthful squad in order to achieve any silverware.
The Frenchman was desperate to restore quality into the defensive line. Wenger began his mission by releasing experienced defenders William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell, and Philippe Senderos. These four centre halves boasted over a thousand Barclays
English Premier League games between one and other.
The departure of a handful of centre halves ensured the defence was in need of restocking, prompting Arsene Wenger to sign young French defender, Laurent Koscielny from French side Lorient FC for £10 million. Wenger’s signing of Koscielny was confusing,
as Koscielny had played only one season in France’s top league and to sign him to play in the World’s most physical league was just illogical. Along with that, Wenger signed another experienced French defender Sebastien Squillaci from Seville for £4.2 million.
These two latest signings of Arsene Wenger ensured defence combination of veteran Thomas Vermaelen with new French duo Squillaci and Koscielny. Along with that, Arsenal has injury-prone Swiss defender Johan Djourou, and promising youngster Havard Nordtveit.
Up till now, Gunners defence line has been relatively strong despite the shock defeat to newly promoted West Bromwich Albion. This loss is destined to come back and hurt Gunners during the finishing stages of the campaign. Injuries have also weakened the
defence line of Arsenal on many occasions.
However, the Gunners defence line still feels slightly frail and under strength. Arsenal is surely in need of one or two more quality defenders which prompt the exploration of possible players, ‘The Professor’ could look to in the upcoming transfer window.
The two strong candidates that stand tall, literally and figuratively, are the Dutch pair Joris Mathijsen and John Heitinga.
1. Joris Mathijsen - Hamburg SV
The Dutch international is an experienced, imposing, strong centre back that would bring extra height and strength to the Gunners backline. The 30-year-old is a natural leader, who has been an outstanding player for Hamburg SV.
Mathijsen had a successful FIFA WORLD CUP 2010 with Netherland. He was a vital member of Dutch squad and even featured in World Cup final. After having such glorious World Cup campaign, Mathijsen would be eager to move to one of the best league in World.
The prospect of playing in European competition would also be an added enticement. Moreover, Mathijsen’s extra ordinary control on the ball and physicality enable him to thrive in Barclays Premier League as well as making it easy for him to adapt to the
fast Arsenal play. Alongside those traits, the added competition implemented to the other Gunners defenders is a glaring incentive for Arsenal to pounce on Mathijsen.
2. John Heitinga - Everton
John Heitinga is one of the consistent defenders in the world. The Everton man has thrived in the English football since last season when he joined Everton from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. The 26-year-old has been an outstanding performer for the Dutch
national team as well was boasting a glorious FIFA World cup 2010 campaign.
With Everton succumbing to a horrific kick off to their campaign with only a single win in their first seven encounters, a winter switch for Heitinga could look incredibly appealing. Moreover, there were several rumours linking Heitinga to Arsenal in the
summer transfer window.
The Dutch international is an intelligent, fast and powerful defender. His addition in Arsenal’s squad would undoubtedly help stabilize the defence line as well as inducting more pace and control along with composure.
Tags: