So, another transfer window has passed and we’re now going to have to stick with what we’ve got for the rest of the season.
Personally, I didn’t see January turning out the way it has. We’ve made 3 signings and let 3 players leave (who I’ll look at in a moment), Man Utd have only signed one player, and Chelsea have stayed as they are. So in effect, nothing’s really changed at the top!
I have to say, I was expecting Wenger to bring in a few players this January, he did it last year with Arshavin and he’s done it before with Walcott, Adebayor and Diaby. That’s not to say of course that the players who have arrived are the ones I expected! Let’s take a look:
Sol Campbell (35) Free Transfer
Signed after training with the first team for a number of months and obviously impressing Wenger enough to prove that he is still good enough to cut it at the top level. Looks like he will be our 3rd/4th choice CB for the rest of the season, providing back up for Gallas and Vermaelen. Surprised by the signing as Wenger has often made a point about not bringing back old players, but if Wenger thinks he’s up to it then I trust the boss’s judgement.
Wellington Silva (17) £3.5 million
Definitely one for the future. Signed from Brazilian side Fluminense after an impressive trial in 2009, which included scoring 4 in 45 minutes against a Norwich side. Also featured in a behind closed doors game against Dagenham & Redbridge this week, in which he scored 2 and set up 1 in a 3-1 victory. Really does look like Wenger’s done his research on the young striker, and bagged us a real ‘wonder-kid’. Unfortunately he won’t be able to join up with us until January 2011 due to the fact British clubs cannot sign under-18 players from South America.
Samuel Galindo (17) £ Unknown
Reportedly signed from Real America, this youngster can operate on the left side of midfield, or through the middle. Again we will have to wait until January 2011 for him to arrive, when I’d expect him to be shipped out on loan to a Spanish side, a-la Carlos Vela style.
Outgoing was Philippe Senderos to Everton, Jack Wilshere to Bolton and Sanchez Watt to Southend for a month, all on loan. I’m a little surprised to see that Senderos wasn’t sold, he’s been told that he won’t be getting a new contract in the summer so he’s really playing for a transfer at Everton. On the plus side, I suppose it means we WILL be signing a CB in the summer, as I very much doubt that Campbell and Silvestre will be up to the ‘standard’ needed to play second fiddle to Gallas and Vermaelen.
The only other major stories of the transfer window was United stealing Chris Smalling off us, Vieira choosing to go to the Arsenal retirement home at City, and Adam Johnson also moving there, from ‘Boro. I don’t know how much Wenger really wanted Smalling, but it has got me a little annoyed that he’ll be playing at OT next year as supposed to the Emirates. I personally liked the look of him and would’ve been happy to have him as a back up to Gallas and Vermaelen, however at United he may get more playing time if Real Madrid get their way and buy Vidic in the summer.
Now comes the big question. What would you have done differently if you were in Wenger’s shoes?
Well he ‘reportedly’ made a £30 million enquiry about David Villa, something which I don’t believe. We also know that he was interested in Dzeko but he was to expensive, and that Chamakh wouldn’t move until the summer. United obviously beat us to Smalling but was there not anyone else on his radar that could’ve been brought in before 5pm on deadline day? Here’s who I’d have liked:
Asmir Begovic – A quality, young keeper, who if brought in, I think would’ve put Almunia on red alert and made him realise he has to fight for his place, not only with Fabianski, but with another good ‘keeper. At Arsenal there’s only really two ‘keepers who could have the number 1 spot at the moment, and I think they’ve both become a little complacent. Bringing in Begovic would mean there would be increased competition and that all 3 of them would be fighting for their place. He would also have been a bargain at only £3 from Pompey, instead he’s now at Stoke.
Younes Kaboul - Another player from Pompey, and aged only 24, he’s on the young side. Obviously he played for Spurs previously and has now gone back but is someone I’ve always admired. At 6ft 4, he’s a tall lad and can play in both the defensive midfield position and centre back. Personally I think he’d be a better back up to Song than Denilson is and a good CB if anything was to happen to Gallas or Vermaelen.
Victor Moses – We know Wenger likes to sign young players, so why not Moses? Proven at Championship level so wouldn’t need loaning back out to gain experience, British, and a powerful player. Could potentially have developed fantastically under Arsene Wenger, instead he’s gone to Wigan. I’d expect him to do well here and in a few years can see him moving on once he’s a proven Premier League goalscorer. Wouldn’t have started every game at Arsenal but would again provide good competition, particularly with RvP out for s long.
Come the summer, we probably will sign a couple of players, and everyone will be happy! The only problem this summer being the World Cup. If a player who we’ve been tracking sets the tournament alight, his price is going to sky rocket, and we know that has the potential to put Arsenal off. Anyway, that’s not for another 6 months so lets prove everyone wrong and show that we can win things without spending copious amounts of cash!
Over to the comments now, what did you think of January?
