Layth Yousif
Sol Campbell gave an interview to the Evening Standard recently, in which he blasted Academy head Andries Jonker for blanking him when it came to his coaching badges, and criticised television companies for preferring bland, 'magnolia' pundits. The Standard didn’t use everything that Sol spoke about, so here, exclusive to The Gooner, is the remainder of the chat…
Layth Yousif: With 16 goals in all competitions (before the Stoke game) what do you think of Alexis Sanchez?
Sol Campbell: He is one of the players that in my time would have added so much to any team I played in at Arsenal. He could have fitted into the Invincibles for sure. He could have played for the Invincibles - he would be welcomed with open arms during the Invincible era!
His work ethic is fantastic, along with his attitude, desire, skill, willingness to play. His willingness to run another ten years to help a mate is simply impeccable. It's a joy to see. It's great to see someone who comes in for big money hit the ground running straight away. It's fantastic. He's great. He's a top player.
How do you think Luis Suarez would fit in at Arsenal? Who would you sign?
I don't like what he's about in terms of the racial side of things but that's just me.
As a player however he's fantastic. On the football side of things he would be a great signing - even on loan.
He would be a fantastic addition if the club signed him - on the football side of things. He's a great striker - but I don't like what he's about.
But if you are talking about new signings in this transfer window I think Arsenal should be looking at strengthening further back. As a centre half I think Ron Vlaar [before he got injured] from Aston Villa would be a good addition.
I think Petr Cech would be a great signing for Arsenal. I think they should sign because he's a great pro who is looking for a fresh start - he would be ideal at Arsenal.
But I can't see how Valdez ended up at Manchester United. How did that happen? He's exactly the type of player Arsenal should be going for. He's a free agent! I can't fathom how it has happened that he ended up at United when he is precisely the type of player Arsenal should be going for.
What do you think about Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur going head-to-head in a potential battle to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin?
I think he would add something for sure to Arsenal. I think Wenger is looking to build the squad up.
I think if it came down to the choice between Schneiderlin going to either club you'd like to think it would be Arsenal that would triumph in getting his signature. For sure.
What do you think about the Wojciech Szczęsny situation?
I have to say I don't believe Wojciech Szczęsny was smoking in the showers - no way, absolutely no way.
As someone who suffered horrible abuse - but from away fans rather than home sections what do you think of the abuse aimed at Arsenal Wenger by certain Arsenal supporters?
I think it's frustration from Arsenal fans. It's frustration stemming from the indifferent form the team has shown this season and previous seasons. That is what is frustrating to fans.
I think when Arsenal moved from Highbury the club's plans should have been articulated better by the club - in terms of explaining to fans that they were going to be more concerned with paying down the debt than looking to sign expensive players.
Fans saw the move as giving the club more financial clout in terms of buying the best players - and they are feeling a little bit let down because it hasn't really happened over the years.
I know we won the FA Cup last May but everything has seemed to peter out a lot over the last number of years.
They want progress in terms of the squad evolving to be able to conduct a really big push on the title again.
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of footballaddicts.com. Visit www.footballaddicts.com for more information on the free-to-use Forza Football and Forza 90' apps which are revolutionising the way fans engage with the sport they love.
Layth Yousif (Twitter@laythy29) is the author of Arsene Wenger: 50 Defining Fixtures. Buy it here.
