Is Ashley Williams the answer for Arsenal?

There has speculation this week that Swansea captain Ashley Williams is on the radar of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

But, is the Welsh international captain the answer to Arsenal’s prayers in their search for solid defensive foundations?

Williams is certainly one of the ‘rags to riches’ success stories of Swansea City’s fairytale rise. Williams signed for the Swans from Stockport County in 2008 and has been one of the mainstays of the Swansea back line ever since and has made over 200 appearances for the club to date.

Williams is a strong central defender who is powerful and an excellent organiser, certainly something Arsenal are missing currently.  There can also be no doubt that having played a big part in Swansea’s continental style of play, Williams is equally comfortable on the ball and would fit in with the Gunners array of ball technicians.

Williams would more than likely improve the back line at The Emirates, but at the age of 28 would not prove to be an investment for the future, more of a short term solution.  There would also surely be a feeling amongst Arsenal fans that the any signing of Williams would not be the kind of marquee acquisition that they may have been expecting this summer given the substantial funds available to their manager.  However, as a stop-gap, Wenger to do a lot worse than look towards the Swansea skipper.

Aaron Sharp