Five budget anchormen Arsenal should target this summer
Largely due to the miraculous rise of Francis Coquelin since the turn of 2015, Arsene Wenger seems reluctant to spend big on a holding player this summer.
Indeed, many view a ‘big-‘n-‘burly’ defensive-mid as one of the few intrinsic differences between Arsenal and the Premier League’s other title contenders. But Wenger appears to have conceded Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United, whilst we haven’t heard much about Arsenal’s alleged pursuits of Lars Bender, Grzegorz Krychowiak or William Carvalho for some time.
Perhaps he’s in the right; Coquelin produced equal – if not superior – form to many of the Gunners’ ball-winning targets towards the end of last season and the last thing the north London outfit need is a cumbersome thug disrupting their definitive, possession-based build-up play.
So it’s time to consider some cheaper solutions to Arsenal’s lack of height, power and defensive awareness in the middle of the park; experienced players who could step in for the big games that won’t command a sizable chunk of the club’s summer transfer budget.
With that in mind, here’s FIVE budget anchormen the Gunners should target this summer.
ALEX SONG
Arsene Wenger seems completely adverse to the idea of re-signing former Gunner Alex Song, but I struggle to understand why.
The Cameroon international was one of the top enforcers in the Premier League during his lengthy Emirates tenure and has hardly become a worse player by undertaking two years at Barcelona – the most dominant club side in world football over the last decade.
The 27 year-old spent last year on loan at West Ham, demonstrating the composure, control and quality you’d expect of a Champions League regular – which is the level the 6ft. 1″ midfielder should still be playing at, in my opinion.
Perhaps most importantly of all from Arsenal’s perspective, he’s the only player on this list who has proven himself compatible with the Gunners’ unique style of play before, recording an impressive 13 assists across all competitions during his final campaign in north London.
Furthermore, Barca are set to sell Song for an absolute pittance this summer – some sources even claim he’ll be allowed to leave for free. Currently, however, he’s expected to join the Hammers permanently.
THIAGO MOTTA
PSG’s Thiago Motta is about as proven as it gets. He’s won league titles with Barcelona, Inter Milan and claimed three in three seasons since moving to Parc de Princes in January 2012.
He’s also a regular international for Italy, featuring prominently in the squad that reached the final of the last European championships, and now has 70 appearances in continental tournaments under his belt.
In terms of height, power and defensive quality, the 6ft. 2″ midfielder represents exactly what the Gunners currently lack in midfield. But Motta’s also a smart player who uses the ball well, boasting a pass completion rate of 93% in Ligue 1 alongside one created chance per match.
Motta’s no spring chicken at the age of 32, but with just a year remaining on his contract, the Parisians would probably let him leave for a nominal fee this summer.
ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO
Esteban Cambiasso’s performances for Leicester City last season verged upon talismanic, netting five times as the Foxes staved off relegation with a miraculous great escape.
Admittedly, at 34 years of age the Argentina international doesn’t offer the Gunners much in the way of longevity.
But the midfielder looked more than comfortable at Premier League level during his King Power Stadium tenure, continually demonstrating the pedigree, intelligence and experience you’d expect from a former Champions League winner with 52 caps for Albiceleste under his belt. He averaged an impressive 2.3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 1.2 created chances per match.
There’s life in the old dog yet and perhaps most appealingly of all, the former Inter Milan star is currently available on a free transfer. He’s yet to extend his one-year deal with Leicester and the shock sacking of Nigel Pearson last week could convince him to consider other opportunities.
STEVEN N’ZONZI
Steven N’Zonzi may not be the most popular of figures outside of the Britannia Stadium but every club needs a gritty, irritating and provocative figure like the Stoke City enforcer.
Furthermore, the Frenchman has shown a clear progression during his Premier League spells with Blackburn and the Potters and is now one of the most formidable characters in their’ starting Xi, blending an imperious 6ft. 3″ frame with consistency, vision and occasional elegance on the ball.
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He was Stoke’s tempo setter last year, averaging the most passes per match of any player in their squad, and has resultantly become an integral component of Mark Hughes’ aesthetic evolution from the Tony Pulis days – suggesting he wouldn’t look awkward and out of place in the Gunners’ technically-demanding engine room.
Likewise, the 26 year-old is an ambitious character, handing in two transfer requests over the last two summers. So with his contract now into its final twelve months, he could easily force a move away before the start of next season.
Currently, however, he’s a priority target for Sevilla.
JOHN OBI MIKEL
A defender’s answer to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, John Obi Mikel has been dubbed ‘the human full time whistle’ for his world-class ability to kill off games after entering the fray from the bench.
Protecting leads is certainly his forte but the Nigerian international’s talents stem far beyond the limited role he repeatedly performs for the Premier League champions. In truth, he’s highly competent in possession, claiming a 91% pass completion rate last season, and has often demonstrated his more progressive qualities when on Super Eagles duty.
Perhaps the 28 year-old’s biggest asset, however, is his vast experience. He’s featured in the most important games English and European football have to offer – including two Champions League finals – and is now verging upon a decade in the Premier League.
The 6ft. 2″ enforcer apparently wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after making just six league starts this season, but whether the Blues would be prepared to further strengthen Arsenal after already surrendering Petr Cech remains to be seen.