After enduring yet another trophy-less season, Arsene Wenger the manager of Arsenal is left with no other choices than investing money on the squad. To be honest, a massive re-development would have been the ideal situation for the Gunners, but first and foremost defensive stability is required.
Despite showing early promises under Steve Bould’s (right hand of Wenger who mainly looks after the defensive aspects) tutelage, Arsenal have leaked in plenty of goals. In fact, they are the only team to have conceded more goals at home in the league than any team lying in top seven in the Premier League.
The key for Arsenal is to plug the defensive hole and hence Wenger is on the lookout for a solid centre back. Angelo Ogbonna, the Torino defender has been strongly linked with a move to Emirates and here we take a look at why Wenger should and must wrap up the deal for him in summer.
Need for a quality defender
Arsenal need to clear out some of the fringe defenders from the squad. The likes of Sébastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou (who is already on loan) are not really Arsenal quality and should be replaced with quality additions. There is no point in buying players for less money if it doesn’t improve the strength of the side.
The 24-year-old is one of the key players for the newly promoted Torino side and was named the Serie B defender for last season. Well, quality is something that cannot be measured objectively but when top European clubs like Juventus, Manchester United and AC Milan show their interest, they must have seen something special in him.
Young, energetic and skilful
He has made a name for himself as a rock solid defender in the Serie A but the youngster possess equally strong creative prowess as well.
His natural tendency to employ skill on the ball has hurt the defence on few occasions, but then again, he is not a ready-made package right now, but under proper guidance he can only improve. Cesare Prandelli, the Italian manager rates him highly and believes with experience his short comings in his game will be rectified.
Right time to give him a platform to shine
Could there be any better time to harness the quality of an exciting talent than this? After three years hiatus from top level football he is now enjoying his game and has already impressed his national team manager, bagging five appearances for his country.
This is just the perfect time to offer him a better platform. He has the potential to become a star in future and his career would be in safe hands under the considerate guidance of Wenger and his fellow staffs.
Low key profile
He is considered as one of the bright prospects of Italy along with Mario Balotelli. With so much hype going on around him, one can always get swayed by distractions as often the case with the former Manchester City striker.
Thereby it is always important to stay focus on the job and maintain a low key profile, at least at this stage of his career. Ogbonna is doing exactly that – a sign that he will go a long distance in future.
Loyalty and commitment
He has had offers from three clubs in Italy – Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli and Torino were reportedly offered €10 million for the player. He remained loyal to Torino and though the club don’t want to sell him but parlous financial constraints might force them to do a business somewhere in the region of €20 million in the summer.
Arsenal need a player who is focused, committed to his work and the club. With top players leaving the club each and every season and questions of loyalty been asked, it’s time the Gunners find the right man for their rebuilding process.
The price may seem too high for him and it could prove to be a gamble, but some gambles are always worth taking for.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
