NRM #4: Wenger Must Place Priority on Victor Wanyama
The rumor mill - that annual time of year when nearly every football fanatic goes crazy with speculation, rumors and most certainly some heartbreak that goes along with it. It almost come without saying that some of the rumors that are going to be spread are going to be just that - rumors.
Sifting through the credible moves from those that are non-credible is hard in this day and age because of the fact that rumors drive the audiences attention. As the columnist of "News, Rumours, and Moore" I look to change this rumor mill in terms of credibility. I like to give the most plausible options during the transfer windows, while also providing a bit of tease to some of the rumors which are absolutely ludicrous.
This week, we have plenty to sift through and per usual, we also have plenty to speak of. So first things first, Arsenal and Denilson have parted ways for good this time. As the current Brazilian midfielder has been loaned out to Sao Paulo the past two seasons, the 25-year-old was out of favor and Wenger did not recall him this past season. After nearly 100 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2006 Denilson is moving on and seems to be attracting numerous suitors throughout Europe including Russia, Italy and Germany. Best of luck to Denilson in the future.
In this weeks edition, we take a break from all of the attacking options that Arsenal must bring in this summer and instead focus on the more defensive options that could be beneficial in the upcoming Premier League season along with a hopeful push in the Champions League. Well, that was a bit of a lie so I apologize in advance as David Villa will certainly pop up in this conversation once or twice - but that's to be expected, right?
We begin with Celtic's defensive midfielder, Victor Wanyama. At 21, he's certainly proved to be a work horse in the middle of the park for the Scottish side this past season. In the Champions League he was quick to defend with venom while also proving himself to be completely comfortable in the attacking third.
I've made numerous statements about how disappointed I've been in Abou Diaby and sadly enough here I go again. After suffering from injuries and numerous other setbacks, it's maybe time for Arsenal and Diaby to mutually agree to part ways. Although his career could certainly turn around it doesn't seem likely but if it did I'd wish him the best at any other club he continues his career with.
Now back to Arsenal's potential future in the defensive midfield spot - Wanyama. The current Scottish Young Player of the Year recipient proved time and time again this season that he can play with the best of them, well maybe not Andrea Pirlo but that's for another day. The raw talent that the Kenyan has is certainly undeniable, and we all know Wenger has the unique ability to mold certain players into becoming greats. As Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta were all unsuccessful in making the position their own, it's probably time for Wenger to shop elsewhere and the answer could very well be Wanyama.
The Kenyan is a true box to box midfielder who not only readily challenges anyone who comes his way, but also is fearless throughout the pitch. With a current price-tag rumored around 10 million, Wenger could surely turn a profit should he keep ahold of this gem for awhile. Is he the next "Patrick Vieira"? Well, I sure hope so as I personally would love to see another defensive mainstay in the Arsenal ranks.
With Wanyama a possible defensive signing this summer, another rumor continues to be thrown around in regards to Liverpool's, Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian has been linked to Arsenal as he's fallen out of favor with Brendan Rodgers this past season and will be looking to secure regular first team minutes next season - wherever that may be. At 28, the reports indicate that the Slovak international is extremely unhappy with his current playing situation and could consider a move to the Emirates should the sour relationship with his current club continue to affect him. Although his contract still has another three years on it, a move of around 12 million could be enough to acquire Skrtel and may be a very smart move for Wenger.
When it comes to Barcelona's David Villa, I am simply stunned at where to even begin. Pardon my rough exterior, but when are these rumors going to go away? A once positive linkage has quickly changed and in recent weeks it has almost become an annoyance. That being said, as this rumor continues to stick around Villa, there may be some truth to it after all. Until recently Villa explained otherwise (yes, again) that he's completely happy at Barcelona and told reporters:
"I have a contract and I have always said that I'm very happy at Barcelona […] We will have to analyze many things during the summer, but as of right now I'm not thinking of anything else other than playing football for Spain."
Well said, Villa - but "right now" could certainly mean plenty of different things. For the time being, I'll take what he says for face value as Neymar now has officially become a member of Barcelona - and with Pedro, Alexis Sanchez and of course Lionel Messi amongst those vying for a starting job at the Camp Nou, Villa's career may be best served leaving the club. At 31, regular first team football must be retained in order to keep his aging legs fit as well as to keep ahold of his clinical finishing he's been so highly looked after for.
Now, it's your turn. Where should Arsène Wenger look first - Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, or David Villa? Those attacking options may be highly appealing to any club, but isn't it a bit more realistic that Wenger secures a defensive option like Skrtel or Wanyama first?
If only we could enter the mind of Arsène Wenger for a few moments to pick and choose who we wanted at the Emirates next season - if only.
Tell us what you think! If you agree, or have a different view, please leave a comment in the comments section or why not write a response or your own article on YouWrite?Think you know Arsenal? Test your Arsenal knowledge on our trivia page and see if you can beat the top score.
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