Wenger on potential new signings
As the Gunners excelled in a 6-0 rout against Premier League new boys Blackpool, the media has once again pressed the Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for an answer about new signings. Speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Wenger said:
According to a news article on Orgullo de Nervion, the Sevilla manager Antonio Alvarez told the media that Squillaci would not feature against Barcelona in the Super Cup. There were also rumours circulating that Squillaci had an argument with his current manager due to the Frenchman's reluctance to start in the Champions League play-off match against Braga when Arsenal's interest was made known to him. However, this rumour was quashed by Alvarez himself publicly.
The ultimate question focuses on Wenger's next signing. Will it be Squillaci? Or would it be a keeper? We'll find out very soon in the final 9 days of the transfer window.
Bordeaux defender linked to the Gunners 
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"I am confident we will add at least one, maybe one plus one. It is difficult to predict because the market is very quiet but I know that in the last five days it gets crazy and then it gets completely mad."Based on his statements, a signing is definitely imminent and at the moment, there is only one player who is the closest to join the North London club, namely Sebastien Squillaci of Sevilla FC.
According to a news article on Orgullo de Nervion, the Sevilla manager Antonio Alvarez told the media that Squillaci would not feature against Barcelona in the Super Cup. There were also rumours circulating that Squillaci had an argument with his current manager due to the Frenchman's reluctance to start in the Champions League play-off match against Braga when Arsenal's interest was made known to him. However, this rumour was quashed by Alvarez himself publicly.
The ultimate question focuses on Wenger's next signing. Will it be Squillaci? Or would it be a keeper? We'll find out very soon in the final 9 days of the transfer window.
Bordeaux defender linked to the Gunners
Arsenal are "about to make an offer" to take Bordeaux defender Michael Ciani to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports in L'Equipe today. A transfer fee of 14.4 million euros has been quoted in the piece of news for the 26 year old newly capped French international.
The French news outlet also mentioned about Wenger saying that his current defensive options are "a little short" as Gallas has left on a free to bitter rivals Tottenham and hence, opting to sign another central defender despite taking an interest in Sevilla's French defender. At the same time, the article has pointed out that Gallas' successor "should be French too", ultimately putting both Squillaci and Ciani in contention as the Arsenal's new centreback signing.
However, it is very unlikely that Arsene Wenger would go for two centrebacks simultaneously, knowing that he has Koscielny, Vermaelen and Djourou who are still below the age of 26 years old.
As we count down the final days of the transfer window, do visit The Arsenal Press for the latest news and transfer speculation.
However, it is very unlikely that Arsene Wenger would go for two centrebacks simultaneously, knowing that he has Koscielny, Vermaelen and Djourou who are still below the age of 26 years old.
As we count down the final days of the transfer window, do visit The Arsenal Press for the latest news and transfer speculation.
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I have been calling for a bid for Ciani for a over a year now. He could be the player who solved the Drogba puzzle for us. Ciani is 6 2" and built like a truck. He brings the height and power to compliment Vermaelen and/or Koscielny's speed and intelligence. Ciani himself isn't a slouch either but most importantly is his strength to take on the Boltons and Stokes face to face. He will add height to defend set pieces and general balls in the air, which have been a gaping weakness of ours for the past few years.
ReplyDeleteCiani already has a few years of CL experience and is at a ripe age. This transfer is a no brainer that should have happened a long time ago. Add a quality goalkeeper to the equation and we could be pushing on multiple fronts for silverware.
Well said, WC.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I haven't seen enough of Ciani to make a complete assessment of him at Bordeaux. If you look at his career history though, he was at Lorient before, just like Koscielny.
His physical statistics like what you've mentioned might attract Wenger's attention. I believe Wenger also have a list of similar type of defenders in his mind. However, bear in mind that he's a shrewd manager. He wants the correct value for the correct player. If he wants to, he would have signed even better players.
Yet, Ciani can be one of his targets. But I would say the price might hinder the deal. 14.4 million euros is a bit steep for Wenger I believe. Anyway, we'll find out in the next few days for sure.
Thanks for your comments, WC.