Arsenal’s transfer business under Unai Emery has been satisfactory, as the club have managed to address the major issues in the squad that were largely left unnoticed earlier. However, we could yet see a few more signings before the deadline.
A report from the Express states that the Frenchman is plotting a move for Croatian defender Domagoj Vida. The 29-year-old currently plays for Besiktas, but a late move for him could be plotted by Arsenal.
This report sensationally claims that three players will be on their way out of the club; namely, Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Calum Chambers. Most importantly, Chambers could be sent on loan at Fulham and hence Arsenal would look to replace him with a proven centre-half. Vida’s name is doing the rounds right now.
Domagoj Vida: Playing Style, and how would he affect Arsenal?
Vida is a typical old-school sort of defender, as he is physically dominant and imposes himself on the opposition forwards in order to win the ball back. He is strong and shields the ball well, as Vida tends to dominate in the air and is a threat from set pieces. The Croatian is quite intelligent and can circulate the ball ahead decently. His ability to use his physicality to good effect helps against teams that play a very direct style of football.
Vida can make crunch tackles, as he always looks to dispossess the opposition near the penalty box. He is slow on the turn, something that is a worrying factor if Arsenal play a high defensive line under Emery. The Besiktas player is reliable at the back, and rarely commits avoidable fouls despite relying on the physical aspect of his game.
His arrival would bring some dire solidity and steel to Arsenal’s backline. It is understandable that Emery is looking to instil some doggedness and rugged attitude into this team. Vida is someone who would not struggle while adapting to the rigours of the Premier League as he is physically well equipped to deal with the bullish nature of the league. He can be a reliable leader from the back, as Vida’s vocal demeanour would certainly help the team build from the back.
For years now, Arsenal have lacked a constant, threatening figure at the back who could impose fear and doubts on the opposition’s forwards. Vida’s qualities might be limited, but they would be invaluable for a team like Arsenal. He is a fighter, and Vida would bring a rigid winning mentality in this team. This particular quality could massively benefit the other players too.
