Ryan Admason
After Sunday’s defeat to Swansea City Arsene Wenger effectively ruled his team out of the Premier League race and handed the title to Jose Mourinho. For Arsenal, it would appear, qualification for next year’s Champions League and a decent run in the cup will have to suffice…. again. Gunners fans, however, and the football experts in the media and at Blue Sq, know that a top four finish is nowhere near guaranteed and that if Wenger is to repeat the success of last season he will need to strengthen in January. With a reported £20m war chest at his disposal his first priority must surely be his defence.
Defensive Priority
The team’s recent injury crisis has left Wenger woefully exposed at the back, with Calum Chambers playing far more regularly than the Frenchman would have planned, and Nacho Monreal and Per Mertesacker under no real pressure for their places. With the club likely to be involved in a real scrap, Wenger will need to bring in players who can hit the ground running and make a difference straight away. On this basis I would suggest that signing proven Premier League talent, rather than scouring the European leagues, should be the order of the day and that Wenger could do worse than enquire about these three men.
• Ashley Williams
• Ron Vlaar
• Winston Reid
Williams - Long Shot
Swansea City skipper Williams has been a mainstay at the Liberty Stadium since joining in 2008, but he has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past. The Wales international, now in his fourth season in the Premier League is one of the most consistent defenders around. He may not be flashy but his no-nonsense style and intelligent positioning could be just what Wenger needs to shore up the defence. Now 30, Williams was recently tied to a long term deal at Swansea so he would not come cheap but he could prove to be invaluable over the next four or five years he could be prised away from South Wales.
Vlaar - Looking for Move
Whilst Williams may prove to be a long-shot, Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar is a far more realistic prospect for Arsenal. Despite the Villains struggling for form, their captain Vlaar has really stood out in recent years and, after two and a half tough seasons with the club, he will be looking to move on to bigger and better things. Having impressed in the 2014 World Cup, the Dutchman is of proven quality and, at 29 years old, has the right blend of experience and longevity to make him a real hit at the Emirates.
Reid - Stalling
At 26, Winston Reid is the youngest of the three options but he still has significant top level experience having appeared at the 2010 World Cup for New Zealand and having become an integral part of West Ham’s defence over the last few seasons. Reid has appeared in every Premier League game so far this season as the Hammers have climbed above the Gunners in the league and he is enjoying another excellent campaign. Reid is out of contract at the end of the season and is reportedly stalling on a new deal, he is clearly looking for a move to a bigger club with European ambitions and would be an ideal signing for Wenger.
Wenger Must Act Soon
Given the results over the last couple of weeks, Wenger must act soon if he is to save the season. Investing heavily in a foreign centre-back might please some sections of fans but they must be realistic and know that, with limited money to spend and a need to make an immediate impact, a signing from within the Premier League would be the best investment. Ashley Williams may be a real long-shot, but Vlaar and Reid look to be up for grabs and Wenger should pull out all the stops to make sure that he signs at least one of them.
