With the advent of the new year, silly season has already started in football with Arsenal immediately being linked with Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira and Newcastle United’s Moussa Sissoko.
It is no secret that Arsenal were interested in signing Khedira over the summer, and according to most reports were more than close to completing the transfer. However, August came and went without any movement, with Khedira eventually suffering a knee injury.
It seems Arsenal are back in for the Madrid star, and with defensive options very less for Arsene Wenger, he would be a very handy signing. The gunners have struggled to maintain any semblance of defensive balance this season, and a strong defensive midfielder would certainly help their case in ensuring that the rest of the season goes smoothly. If they want to finish 3rd or 4th this season and continue playing in the Champions League, theya ll need to stop dropping points.
Injuries and suspensions have meant that Arsenal have had to resort to recalling Francis Coquelin from his loan deal, and even in the game against Southampton, Arsene had to deploy the young Calum Chambers alongside Coquelin to give Flamini a rest. Khedira is a player that would fit right into the team. The fans have long been crying for a strong tackling midfielder and Khedira brings exactly those qualities to the team. Also, having another World Cup winner can only be a good thing!
Another signing that Arsenal have been linked with early on in the winter transfer window is Newcastlea s Moussa Sissoko. Sissoko has had a great season so far for the Toons, but it is difficult to see how this signing would make any sense for the gunners. Sissoko has had quite a bit of success going forward, but the Arsenal ranks are filled with forward players, and Arsene would struggle to find a place for yet another player.
At best, this could be a signing to offset the eventual departure of Lukas Podolski, but if Sissoko does make the move to Arsenal, he should be well aware that he would not be getting as many chances as he has at Newcastle. The transfer itself wouldna t be a problem though, with Newcastle known to be more than willing to sell off their players if the price is right.
If Arsene does sanction Sissokoa s transfer, and not make any defensive signings, he will have a lot more explaining to do to the fans, especially as he is known to do very little business during this particular transfer window.