With it being clear to the footballing world that Arsenal’s entire squad, not just the back four, are lacking majorly in depth and/or experience, I thought I would look at the Swansea team for a certain defender who, in my opinion, would be a great signing.
It seems Arsene Wenger is an avid admirer of the Swansea captain Ashley Williams and has been linked with him since last season, and when Arsenal were in the phase of being panic-linked with everyone during the most recent transfer window, there seemed to be serious weight behind the rumour that the Gunners were going to swoop in for both Michu and Williams.
I think the rumoured price was around thirty million for the pair and Swansea priced Arsenal out, but in my opinion, the centre-back partner of Williams is the better footballer. Chico Flores was brought to Swansea for two million pounds from Genoa at the beginning of last season and I was immediately impressed with him – a strong, athletic defender who states when he puts on the shirt of a club, he will “defend to the death”.
I believe he is in the top 10 for tackles, interceptions and clearances per game and he can play as well. I watched him in the game against Liverpool last week and when you have a centre-back who can step into the midfield and play a pass, you know you’ve got a quality defender on your hands.e
Obviously, Michael Laudrup will know how pivotal he is, so will probably take as much money as they want for Ashley Williams for the Spaniard, but would be entirely worth it if Arsenal still do need a defender in January (they will). Maybe the fact the Michu signing was such a revelation, Flores’ input went under the radar, and when he was straight red-carded for a high tackle on Louis Saha in his third game last season, perhaps he didn’t really get off on the right foot.
