What with all of the talk of Arshavin and potential suitors to fill the "creative midfielder" tag Wenger spoke of there's been (understandably in my opinion) a fair weight of folk questioning the need for Wenger to prioritise a "defensive midfielder" and a "world class" centreback. I'd like to speak about the Arsenal defence, hopefully without posting a "War & Peace" sized post, musing over the weaknesses, how's where's and why's, as well as the inevitable "who should Wenger sign" question! First off I need to say, I would be amazed if Wenger signed a defender in the January transfer window! I have a strong feeling that Wenger will wait until the summer before addressing the defensive issue, which obviously is going to be fundamental to Arsenals future. I just want folks input, thoughts etc regarding the personnel at the clubs disposal and of course what the club needs to do to help remedy what is a big portion of Arsenals "Achilles heel". I personally feel that come the summer (and this is of course just one mans opinion), Wenger will move Gallas on, for a decent fee for a player over 30, free up some 80/90k a week in wages and purchase a player of some class. The question marks will then be raised over Toure accompanying the said player. Does Toure still have the qualities required to be that world class, all singing-all dancing defender relying on finesse and athletic prowess as opposed to raw power and aerial might. I don't have the answer to that and am skeptical as to his physical state these days. I know that their is a lot of support for Djourou on this board, I also rate the guy, but in my heart of hearts I would be a liar if I said that I think he's "first class", Song also has come on in leaps and bounds and I actually rate him higher as a defender as opposed to a midfield player. Silvestre is a stop-gap and offers that "experience" at the back that Wenger craved (despite some fans skepticism). Put bluntly I cannot look past (if Arsenal are to remain a force and ultimately push on) that Wenger will need to sign a "class act" of a defender, get the best out of Toure (if that's possible or in effect sign 2 centre-backs and re-shape Arsenals "backline". What do you all think?
