What a time this is to be an Arsenal fan. A new season is just on the horizon and the Gunners are making the right noises in the market. According to reports in English media outlet Independent, manager Arsene Wenger now looks to cap off his successful summer transfer window by pursuing Schalke’s World Cup winner Benedikt Howedes.
The 26 year old is an astute defender who can play in centre back and also slot in as a left back when required like he did for Germany in the World Cup in Brazil. Wenger had earlier said that he would love to make yet another quality addition to his already impressive squad.
The Frenchman said he was on the lookout for a defender after his side romped to a 3-0 win over Manchester City to win the Community Shield on Saturday, “If I can find another centre-back I will do it.”
Calum chambers can be thought of a replacement after Arsenal sold Bacary Sagna to City and let Thomas Vermaelen to pursue his career at La Liga giants Barcelona. But the former Southampton player is effective in playing as the right back and is only 19 years of age. Moreover any injuries to the first choice pair of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker will cast serious doubts on the London club’ credentials as Wenger looks to mount a serious Premier League title challenge.
Wenger’s love for shopping Germans isn’t quite a surprise as The Gunners already have a thriving Die Mannschaft contingent in Mertesacker, Ozil, Podolski, Gnabry and Zelalem. Thus it would be easier for Howedes should he consider a switch.
The report from Independent claims Arsenal are also after Brazilian Luis Gustavo of Wolfsburg. However the player isn’t inclined for a move and recently said, “However, Gustavo has today said he is happy in Germany: “I am back in training and I want to play on for Wolfsburg to help the team succeed.”
Sporting William Carvalho however remains a feasible option as Arsenal have the money from Vermaelen’s sale to Barcelona.