Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wenger: I Wanted To Sign A Physical Midfielder, I Still Want One

It was reported all summer that Arsenal were in the market for a new defensive midfielder, whilst the interest was there, nobody arrived.

The window shut and that had many Arsenal fans thinking that Arsene Wenger obviously felt that area of the squad didn’t need strengthening. However, in an interview with French TV, Wenger revealed he’s still looking to sign one: “I’m happy with the signings but we still need a physical presence with prodigious ability like Vieira or Petit,” he told Bein Sport.

Those words are firstly reassuring, but also frustrating. To not sign a defensive midfielder was a big blow, and leaves the Gunners dependent on the ageing duo of Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta. Neither have the physical presence of Vieira like Arsene Wenger talks about.

One player that does is William Carvalho. He was linked to the club all summer and even on deadline day, it is thought Arsenal were trying to push through a deal. Perhaps Wenger will go back in January? Will it be too late by then?

Players of Vieira’s calibre and presence are hard to find, but it does certainly seem like the missing link in this Arsenal team, especially if Wenger opts to continue with the 4-1-4-1 formation he’s currently using.

Who would you like to see signed? Let us know by commenting below.

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