Oh dear, Arsenal!
Teams go through turmoil, dissensions, and transitions. However, for as long as you think about Arsenal, they have been unable to solve their primary issues and hence have suffered consistently through all these past seasons. After losing consecutively for four long matches, the Gunners have given a clear demonstration of the feeble and incompetent defence that they possess.
Arsenal were left bruised and battered by Manchester City on two different occasions within the span of five days as the Skyblues took advantage of Arsenal’s issues deep down the field. This made clear that irrespective of Arsene Wenger’s stay at Arsenal, this defence does not simply deserve to stay at the club.
The Solution:
One of the main culprits of Arsenal’s horrific defensive displays has been Laurent Koscielny. The French centre-half has been a stalwart for the club but looks well past his prime now. His slow pace, coupled with the inadequacy of reading the game during fast counter-attacks has been punished quite a few times by other teams this season.
Koscielny looks a liability on the air too, as he has been beaten at crucial moments in aerial duels. However, his experience has saved the blushes of Arsenal quite a few times too as the man is somewhat of a leader for the currently dismantled Arsenal side.
Enter, Jose Gimenez:
The Gunners might finally pay some attention to the back end of the pitch as Uruguayan international Jose Gimenez is being linked to a move to Arsenal now. The Atletico Madrid defender has been consistent and excellent for Diego Simeone’s side in recent years. The lad is quick on his feet and is a lively figure in and around the box.
Simeone’s tactical nous has been perfectly embedded in him as Gimenez is an astute reader of the game. This season, he has appeared 18 times in the La Liga and has won 58% of his defensive duels. Gimenez has won 51% of his tackles and has won 65% of his aerial duels too.
Overall, at 23-years of age, he has a bright career ahead of him and that is what Arsenal so very desperately need. The Gunners have been lacking a youthful player having the capability of leading the defence too. Gimenez can be the perfect player to do so.
How can the transfer turn out?
Atletico Madrid would hate losing one of their best players as Jose Gimenez is one of the main players in the highly defensive setup that Simeone prefers. However, the player’s insistence coupled with Arsenal’s intent in bringing in a quality centre back to the club can see this transfer turn up well. However, the Gunners might have to part ways with one of their most trusted personnel for Jose Gimenez to land in North London.