In the pre-season tour of Asia, one clear weakness of the Arsenal squad was the right back position. We do have the best right back in the league at the moment in Bacary Sagna but beyond that, the depth is a little thin. Although he is improving, Jenkinson is way down on quality and at times look way out of depth in the Premier League. The other player who filled in at right back last year was Nico Yennaris but he is still has much to learn before being fully integrated into the first team.
It seems that this spot of bother has not escaped the manager’s scrutiny as he seeks to line up at quality alternative to Sagna. In the Mirror today, it was reported that Arsenal is looking at the Ajax and Dutch international Gregory Van Der Wiel to strengthen the depth of Arsenal’s defensive line. Van Der Wiel is in the last year of his contract with the Dutch Champions and unlikely to sign a contract extension (shades of our own Dutchman here). Therefore, it is likely that the Dutch club will sell him rather than lose him to the Bosman ruling next season. He is valued at about £7million pounds, which is definitely a steal for a player of such quality.
Van Der Wiel really came into prominence in the 2010 World Cup with good performances down the right for The Netherlands. His rampaging overlapping runs and stout defense was a big factor in the Dutch team’s success in South Africa. There were reports linking him to several Spanish and Italian clubs after the World Cup but nothing came true. Unfortunately, his good form seems to have pettered out with the Dutch team and his performances at this year’s European Champions leaves a lot to be desired.
Nevertheless, I think that if we can have him as an alternative to Sagna it would certainly strengthen the squad, given that the Frenchman is quite prone to injuries recently. Moreover at such a low price, he will definitely a value for money signing.
Arsenal, right back, Gregory Van Der Wiel
I agree, Arsenal do need to strengthen their defense. All the attention this summer was given to bolster the forward line and mid fielders. It’s really amazing that little or no mention has been made for the leaky defense after conceding 49 goals last season. With the potential injuries, we are facing the same problem this season too.
Wenger learned from late signing last season and signing van der w..may solve right back cris….
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Van Da Wiel i’ll be a gud signing wenga should move fast for him even the price is very gud. So ride on PROF
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It is essential that Arsenal bye Van Der Wiel. Arsen Wenger has been ignoring the importance of a good defense inspite of conceding 49 goals last season. All the money and energy are going to beef up the front and the middle lines. Without a solid defense, we won’t be in a position to win any trophies.
Good comment,we are struggling at the back and urgently need a good defender