There is huge debate amongst Arsenal fans about the potential signing of a new central midfielder to add to the 11 or 12 we already have for the first team squad for next season. It is laughable that our fans accuse Manchester City and Chelsea of spending money on new players, without due consideration to the squad balance or size. Before we consider the merits of strengthening or otherwise, perhaps it is worth giving it some context. To do this we should look at squad numbers and the financial implications to a degree.
Chelsea central midfielders used 2011/12 – Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Romeu, Meireles, Mata, McEachran (now on loan)
Manchester City central midfielders used 2011/12 – Barry, De Jong, Toure, Milner, Pizzaro, Nasri, Silva
Arsenal central midfielders used in 2011/12 – Song, Frimpong, Coquelin, Arteta, Ramsey, Rosicky, Diaby, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Benayoun, Wilshere to return.
I would hazard a guess that at present our midfield wage bill is far higher than that of Chelsea and yet many seem keen to add rising French star M’Vila to the playing staff and the weekly wage bill.
The argument is of course that we should always be looking to improve our squad and I do not have an issue with that as such, but are you all actually ready for the harsh realities of this move?
So let’s be clear on this. We play with 3 central midfielders at present and Wenger has shown no inclination to revert to a conventional 442. This being the case the absolute maximum we should require would be the 7 utilised by Manchester City. Any more would be disruptive to the harmony of the squad and foolhardy as we move in the era of financial fair play and at a time when we all want our top stars paid more than the current structure allows.
Okay so we should follow this through, assuming we add the French international defensive midfielder as is being touted by press. Benayoun will not be signed on a permanent basis, so that is easy but I assume you all agree that Wilshere, Song, Arteta and Rosicky are certainties? There is also no way that Wenger will exclude Abou Diaby and we must recall that when fit him and M’Vila were starting together for Les Bleus. That takes us to 6 high quality midfielders should M’Vila sign. If we are playing safe we can exclude Oxlade-Chamberlain and call him a winger, although I am not convinced Wenger will see it that way. However I am making the decision easy for you and here is it. You will now need to sell 2 of Frimpong, Coquelin and Ramsey. While you are at it you can tell Lansbury, Aneke and Ozyakup they have no chance of making the squad either.
I do not have any issue with this and for me that decision is easy. Coquelin must stay so we should start looking for buyers for Ramsey and Frimpong. In all honesty I am not sure it is as easy as this because with Podolski, Gervinho, Theo and Ryo sharing wing duties there is every chance Oxlade-Chamberlain will be deployed in an advanced playmaking role. If this is the case we may have to release Coquelin as well, but that’s cool as we are signing a French Superstar of 21 years of age for £15 to £20 Million pounds. A French Superstar who had has 2 fabulous seasons at a mid table French club in a league inferior to ours. The same league in which our own Gervinho scored and assisted for fun last season whist winning the same afore mentioned inferior league. Well that’s a good sign because the Ivorian has done the same for us. Oh sorry no he hasn’t yet has he?
I am sure his stats, which of course do not tell the whole story, are superb though. Wow this season he has played virtually every game for the mighty Rennes, dragging them to a lofty 7th in Ligue 1. A total of 36 outings, with 2 assists and a solitary goal. But of course why should he have assists or goals you might venture as he is a ‘Defensive Midfielder’
Well unless Wenger does revert to the 442 of 2004 with Gilberto or 2008 with Flamini we don’t play with the style of defensive midfielder some think we are desperate for. We pay 4,2,3,1 and this entails 2 deeper lying intelligent midfielders, each knowing that if one is to join the attack the other will sit. This is why the players comfortably incumbent in those roles, Song and Arteta do have wholly different type of stats to the French Superstar. Please bear in mind that these guys are already experienced in Europe’s most unforgiving league. They too have both played ironically 36 games for their club this season. Arteta has 7 goals and 2 assists and Song 2 goals and 10 assists. This all assumes that you think it likely that Wilshere will be utilised in the attacking central role.
This is not just me being over sentimental and too loyal to the existing squad, although I am, but I am just presenting the facts as I see them. We are not on FIFA or playing Fantasy Manager 2012. This is real life and Wenger’s decisions are crucial to the futures of some seriously talented players who we have on the books. If we bring in M’Vila the reality is that we cannot keep 9 or 10 professionals competing and sharing 3 roles next season. Many seem to want him and feel he will strengthen our squad. Maybe he will although I am not sure where the evidence is to support this, but be careful what you wish for. At the very least it will mean no game for Ramsey, Frimpong and Coquelin, but it may mean they need to be sold or indeed they may look for transfers. Certainly Francis Coquelin is exceptionally highly thought of in France and has already hinted he would look to leave last summer without assurances of game time.
However I am not an expert on French football and statistics as I mentioned are not always the whole story so rather than rely on YouTube or twitter I felt it best to ask a couple of respected observers of European football and in particular of Ligue 1
I posed a question or two to Andy Brassell, acclaimed independent European football writer for Football Ramble as well as the Author of award winning ‘All or Nothing: A Year in the Life of the Champions League’
Q: Would M’Vila be a positive addition for Arsenal and what formation to Rennes play?
A: M’Vila would be a huge plus, yes. Very disciplined & unselfish. Rennes play 4231, & he’s one of the 2, so easy to adapt.
Q: Would he be an improvement on one of Arteta or Song now?
A: As I said, he would – significantly. Will be heinously expensive for whoever buys him, but worth it.
In a similar vein I approached Tom Williams, European football reporter for Agence France-Presse specialising in French football:
Q: So Tom would M’Vila impove Arsenal’s midfield now and what formation do Rennes play?
A: Rennes play 4-2-3-1. M’Vila is a similar player to Song. Reads game well, strong tackler, but probably a better passer.
Q: But would he improve us now? £15/20m seems a lot when we have Coquelin also v highly thought of in France
A: With all due respect to Coquelin, M’Vila is a first-choice France international. I think he’d improve most sides.
Q: Sorry to bombard you but did he not get his chance when Diaby injured for Les Bleus?
A: He was playing alongside Diaby for France. Key thing with M’Vila is potential. He’s 21 and could become one of best in world.
So in conclusion should be buy him or not? Two respected experts on French football seem to suggest he would improve us, but Tom William’s final point is a slight worry. He hints that we would be buying a player with the potential to be one of the best. Andy Brassell also claims he will be extremely expensive, which I guess might rule us out.
These guys watch him more than I do and I assume most of my readers but my reservations remain about squad size and the need to cull from the existing group, who are showing huge togetherness. It is a huge positive that he would slot seamlessly into our formation and be used to playing it and I respect the opinions of those who watch him week in week out. However do these guys watch Song and Arteta weekly to make a comparison and even if they do is it valid when our league is far stronger? I heard a Dutch football expert on the radio yesterday being asked about the story of Kevin Strootman moving from PSV to Old Trafford this summer. This is a player being labelled the new van Bommel in Holland, who has broken into the Dutch squad since the World Cup. The expert suggested he would need 2 more years at a second tier European club such as Tottenham or Valencia before he would be ready for a Manchester United. Whilst laughing at the Tottenham line we must ask ourselves however good M’Vila may be in the future can he do it from August 16th 2012 in the EPL, better than those we have? If not is Wenger prepared to sell or sideline players who have been with us for years for potential?
I will leave you with one last sobering thought from Andy Brassell;
Q: Safe to say then that you feel he M’Vila would replace one of Song or Arteta then assuming Wilshere must play?
A: My guess is Arteta. Song has good range of passing & M’Vila there would liberate him. Still don’t think Yann will come, mind you.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this article and feel free to leave a comment good or bad, on the site or of course on twitter @goonerdave66
My guess is Frimpong would go on a season long loan plus Diaby is so injury prone but honestly I don’t see Wenger buying him or any other MF for that matter. Great post
Nice One, Very Honest.
I think if Song leaves (juventus) we could do with him but otherwise your right. He’s only potentially good & we’ve that already. Also seems like he doesn’t care where he goes as long as it’s a big club, I’d rather keep our own.
I think our problem is motivating our existing players & getting them to Believe that we are Potential Champions if they wanted it enough.
We do need a forward though.
Regardless of M’Vila arriving, Ramsey won’t be sold. He is the amongst the core of young players along with Gibbs, Chamberlain,Jack ,Jenkinson ,Afobe,Ryo & hopefully Joel Campbell,Coquelin and Wellington Silva(whom I hope gets a permit) who will be there at the club.
Frimpong will go out on loan and probably needs to for an entire season to be judged not to mention he isn’t expected back until September this season. Also don’t forget that there is an African cup of nations for which Song might be not there for us. I don’t think Coquelin alone will be able to handle the workload in a month like January which is normally not a good month for us. Having M’Vila would make sense for me.
Dave, I think the main question is whether the incoming player would be a starter or a back up. In order to be a starter, M’Vila will have to displace either Song or Arteta, and I just can’t see that happening at the moment, both have better experience and more adept at the English game (as you have pointed out). As a back up, he’s too expensive considering we have all the talent you’ve listed above already with us.
Personally, I think Arsene may look to strengthen the midfield area to cover for the inevitable injuries. However, it will be for a squad player and I agree with you that M’Vila does not constitute value for a squad player.
Instead, if may look for someone like Etienne Capoue of Toulouse. The midfielder is 23 years old (right age), valued around £8m (right price), has 3 goals and 3 assists (right stats) and will not be a shoe-in for a starting role, at the same time keeping pressure on the incumbents.
Oh, I forgot to mention Etienne Capoue is French!
I can’t argue with the logic of your article when you look at it at this moment..
meaning when we have only the league to play for and we are out of all the other competitons..
but I will assume that you and pretty much all gooners wish to be contending in all competitons.. and with that kind of schedule a big squad is a must..
I will say we have a big squad at the moment, but obviosuly there is a number of players that aren’t performing and that Arsene doesn’t really trust…
and to that are usual and constant battles with injuries and I am pretty sure incorporating M’villa along with the others won’t be a problem…
Frimpong should go on a loan anyhow (to recover from the injury).. and it probably wouldn’t hurt Ramsey either (but that’s probably not gonna happen)
M’Vila, Song, Arteta and Coquelin competing for 2 places doesn’t seem too bad. Frimpong will need loaning out again.
That leaves Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky and Diaby battling for the advanced role. Diaby and Rosicky will both be players use sparingly due to fitness concerns, meaning it will probably be Wilshere and Ramsey being rotated for the most part.
The best part? Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky and Diaby are all very different players. We can rotate based on which style would be most effective against the opposition.
Good blog mate.
Benayoun will be returning to Chelsea in the summer once his loan is finished.
Chamberlain isn’t ready for that central role yet at least another couple of seasons, needs to improve his fitness and stamina for it first.
Frimpong won’t be back until September from his latest injury and another loan move for him in January.
Diaby’s always ways injured as well, never seen the big hype about him. Wouldn’t be against selling him and getting a player who is available more
Rosicky’s a good squad player, he isn’t going to be able to keep this form up forever.
Wilshere is are best midfielder next season he will play behind van Persie but have to be careful and don’t over play him. With him being injured for all this season so far.
Song’s a good player but if people want MVila to play the deepest out of the three midfielders then is their any point in Song starting? A couple of decent assists this season but look how many times he tries these “Hollywood balls/passes” in a match and they don’t work. Best option Song and M’Vila rotate next season. E.g. against a real physical side play both.
Arteta has to start he’s are more consistent midfielder does his role perfect. Maybe next season if M’Vila behind him, he can get forward more. He’s often deeper than Song in midfield.
Coquelin is still young great back-up can play at right-back and at left-back. Good versatility, he will get games next season. Got the potential to be more than a defenive midfielder, more box to box IMO. Good passer as well.
Ramsey’s got great potential, it’s his first real full season with his injury the over year. AW needs to work out whee Ramsey is best deeper or behind van Persie. Needs to work on his finishing and he will get 10-15 goals next season. Always creates chances for himself and get’s in to the right areas.
Sell – Diaby
Loan – Frimpong
Return – Benayoun
Midfield – Wilshere, Arteta, Rosicky, Song, M’Vila (if he signs), Ramsey, Coquelin.
This article is right on! I personally don’t think Arsenal need him. We have capable midfielders in Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere. Let’s not forget Ramsey, Diaby, Frimpong and Coq. I think we need someone who is talented and can serve as a capable understudy and fill the boots when required. A lot of people have said a lot about Ramsey, let’s not forget that he’s still talented he just needs some time. And Diaby is world class when he’s not injured. Look at how Van Persie is playing now after all his injuries. When Diaby is fit again, he’ll owe Arsenal big time, so don’t discount the commitment he’ll show. Great article!
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Thanks for your kind words. Andy Brassell is a top writer ab regularly on BBC. I suspect he feels he will go to Madrid
the thing which strikes me is that he’s an established international for a top international team (world cup antics aside), so i think that if we can afford not only his transfer fee but his wages for the following 4 seasons, which i’m sure will be astronomical, then it makes sense to strengthen, especially if we wish to progress from this seasons quagmire of results.
in M’Vila’s age category we have Frimpong and Coquelin, neither of whom are vying for international selection yet. we have been rightly criticised for many seasons for being (whilst exuberant) too youthful, and while signing M’Vila wouldn’t cure that, he is by all accounts and reports a better talent than what we have.
wenger and the club have already suggested (as they do at this time every season) that we will be active in the market this summer, and like every season i believe them! but when you consider that we have just given Djourou a new contract (meaning we have many defensive numbers) it may well be that Podolski is the only other major signing we intend to make, which would mean that funds for M’Vila will be available.
also you can count on having our customary 10 injuries at a time, so an extra top class body wont be going amiss next season i’m sure.
whatever the pros and cons, i can see a lot of out-age and not much in-age this summer…
You have to sacrifice players in order to win the league. You’re deluded if you say M’Vila would not improve our squad.
Good blog, raised some interesting points and proves beyond doubt that we have some ‘average’ players that are perhaps holding us back (financially).
Hate to say it but I look at some other teams (Man Utd!) and their players run their socks off for the team and that is where we are lacking. We have an abundance of skill but not necessarily the determination to ‘win that ball’, or ‘pressurise that player’. In the past I have made a joke of how many times Arsenal head the ball in the centre circle …. virtually never (worth a bet). But that only shows our lack of fire and enthusiasm. That’s the sort of player we need, someone with a bit of muscle strength who will physically put his body on the line.
I know we can’t go back to Storey, Adams, Keown, Kennedy, O’Leary, Bould, Petit, Vieira but these were strong people and our team needs people like them now. Every successful team seems to have them, who are ours? These players have come up for sale and in my opinion the 2 we let get away were Parker and Cahill. And the ones we got … Mertesacker, a bit of a liability with absolutely no heading ability for his size (he can’t jump!!) and Santos (can he produce in the EPL?).
We have to stop getting 5 youngsters, loaning them out, eventually selling 4 of them and perhaps getting one who is up to standard. Get someone who is tried and tested (preferably in the EPL). And if we do have one that’s good, play him. Chamberlain has got it, needs regular games but he sits on the bench. I’m not saying over play him, I’m just saying don’t bring him on for 10 minutes when we are behind. Fabregas was forced to play because of injuries and look how he turned out.
With the cup competitions plus the league the squad size has to be large. Again look at the benches of other teams in the top half of the league. I sometimes look at ours and cringe.
My Midfield: Arteta, Wilshere, Rosicky, Song, PLUS the new signings………. Sorry but Ramsey (who originally looked good) and Coquelin have to go.
Phrased that incorrectly, should have said ” Fabregas was forced to play because of the injuries to others and look how he turned out.”
So the purchase of M’vila would see Wenger smash Arsenal’s transfer records so obviously he would then have to start. Song has been our best midfielder this year and he is now looking a more complete player, so that suggests we keep our 4-2-3-1 formation with Song & M’vila sitting as the ’2′. For me Jack has to start and under those circumstances would only fit in to that more advanced role. I’m not sure he’s our man for CAM providing 15+ goals and assists a season in the process. When we had Fabregas, Jack was the perfect bridge between Cesc and Song, he got forward but he had a good relationship with Song showing some decent defensive qualities. I’m not expecting Steve Rowley to pull a new Cesc out his magic hat but if your playing Song and M’vila together then you need someone that can create for fun in front of them both. The only figure who could possible be the answer to that one in my opinion is AOC, but that excludes Jack (not going to happen). So that said I cant see Wenger paying 15-20 mil for someone who won’t start the majority of there games. The reason I am not mentioning the others in contention is because I am looking at an ideal, an injury free season based on a solid 11.
Very enjoyable read
It’s a good article, and puts into words what I think a lot of people would be thinking amidst these rumours.
From what I’ve seen, Coquelin will be as good or better than this guy, but he needs time and experience. It’s the same problem we’ve faced for many years really. If Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gibbs, Coquelin, Oxlade and Ryo were going to be at the peaks of their abilities next season, we’d be in an amazing position, but of course, they won’t be. Maybe this signing would be a signal that Wenger is tired of waiting.
Arteta and Song are great players, but I think one would have to make way if M’vila signed. From what I’ve seen, he is probably a step up on arteta as a DM, and might compliment Song well, but certainly one would have to make way. Arteta could conceivably play further forward, but then you have the problem of too many wingers.
Honestly if I were in Arsenal’s position I would leave this one. It’s a lot of money for a player we could develop from the youth team for nothing. It’s a position in the squad which is well covered, and the money could probably be better used elsewhere. Ultimately, though, he would improve the squad and give us a better chance of really achieving something next season. If he signed, I wouldn’t complain, but, as I said, it’s probably an excessive outlay for a position that’s well stocked with good players.
Thanks for all the comment. Intelligent and constructive. Overall view appears to be the at £20m in a lot for a player that si arguably still only in potentail class ad coming from a weaker league. Dave
Nice New Layout goonerdave66 !!
If AW sees a role for either Henderson or Lansbury for the next seasson ,I don’t see any other CM coming. But if some one does come it won’t be surprising considering there is AFCON next year and we may lose both Song and Frimpong during that period !! and we will be left with Coquelin , Wilshere , Ramsay , Rosicky , Diaby and Arteta fighting for the 3 slots in midfield during January and Feb !!
Good piece on the potential role M’Vila can play. Rennes play similar system so that does help.
A magazine theme would make ur blog look nicer
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How I’ve waited for someone to look at the M’villa situation like I have for a very long time. I always thought we as fans just want to witness our beloved club splash 20m, but sincerely, we do not need M’villa. Not at all unless we are ofcourse to let go of Diaby or Frimpong n Coquelin as the gen consensus might be, a thing I am not in support of. The only times I’ve seen Song lost in a game, Frimpong has been alongside him. Now you can argue they’ve not played together that long, but I could say the same of M’villa. Song thrives when he has a versatile player alongside him, someone who can switch seamlessly to attack n yet still retain the discipline to defend when Song is out of position,a thing Arteta n jack do without even breaking a sweat. A fully fit Diaby can do the same. M’villa’s inclusion would disrupt team chemistry, stunt the development of the youngsters(considering that AW has no zeal in rotating the midfield that often). So we are looking at a situation of selling off Coq n Frim or Ramsey(not happening atleast for the next six seasons) without even seeing what they are made of.
As you would expect I 100% agree with you. The only question is whether Wengers sees Jack sitting or in the advanced role.
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Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.