Gael Forces Wenger Dilemma

By Walid Hai

Reports surfacing yesterday are suggesting that Gael Clichy may be ready to enter contract negotiations with Arsenal.

At the end of the season in May, sources close to the club had confirmed that Wenger was ready to let the full back leave, with Roma looking the likeliest destination for the French international. However, Sky Sports have now claimed the Arsenal manager is keen to hold on to the 25 year old defender, the last remaining member of the Invincibles team.

Wenger reportedly said, “We have started talks with Gael and want him to stay".

Given that the story is true, it is a rather interesting turnaround in Wenger’s decision as Clichy’s inconsistency has come under scrutiny several times since he conceded the last minute penalty at the game against Birmingham City at St. Andrews in 2008.

The Frenchman has often been able to recover catastrophic errors due to his pace and high fitness levels. His lung bursting dribbles into opposition territories and interceptions during key moments has provided some difficult attacks for opposition teams to deal with.

The problem however has always been his ability to win 1-on-1 duels. The likes of Lennon and Young have tried and failed to outpace Clichy in a bid to get behind the Arsenal defence. However, there are the likes of Nani who also previously attempted to beat the full back with and later adopted a more effective solution to use an over-lapping full back and double up on that flank leaving the left back to make some poor decisions.

Wenger may have identified Clichy’s weakness, but with few options available, perhaps keeping hold of the full back may be the best solution. Gibbs is still a long way from gaining consistency and proving his fitness, while Armand Traore is likely to look for a permanent move away from North London in search of regular football.

In terms of the transfer market, there is few options available. Everton’s Leighton Baines has been mentioned several times. While Baines has had a good season, it is unlikely Wenger will want to pay the premium for the English international with the centre backs being top priority this summer.

And Clichy has several times expressed his desire to remain with the club. He has often mentioned feeling “home-sick” every time he has had to stay away from London for more than 2 weeks.
The news will no doubt leave Liverpool fans slightly upset as the Merseyside club desperately seeking a left back. Aurelio’s injury concerns coupled together with Paul Konchesky’s torrid performances meant Liverpool may have been in with a chance of securing Clichy’s signature with the Frenchman’s current contract expiring next summer.

With few doors open to Wenger in terms of a replacement, the Arsenal manager may just opt to stick with his current left back for the coming season.

Arsenal Look to Argentina

Arsenal look set to complete the signing of Ricardo Alvarez from Velez Sarsfield. As the clocks tick down to the start of the season, fans in North London grow more and more frustrated. While Manchester United are spending the cash with the signing of Ashley Young, the only signing that looks set for Arsenal is the fairly unknown Argentinian Midfielder Alvarez.

With a host of clubs chasing the 23 year old highly rated Velez Sarsfield player, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has lifted the lid on the situation by claiming Alvarez has already signed for the North London outfit. "We did have a concrete bid for Alvarez and had him in our grasp back in January," he told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"Unfortunately, we didn't complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal. At this moment he has already signed for the Gunners".

It is already known that among the host of players that have been shown the exit door at the Emirates is Denilson. The Brazilian, who is widely recognised as the hate figure for Arsenal fans has been below par for a while and with Rosicky's regular poor performances becoming somewhat of a trademark, Wenger is looking to refresh the midfield ranks.

So what do we know about Alvarez? His 3 goals in 14 games is unlikely to fill the Arsenal fans with optimism for what is going to be a critical season in the club's future. Many fans have already labelled him the, "Rosicky treatment table replacement", due to his injury record. However, he is known as "Ricky the Wonderful" by the Velez fans and has produced some outstanding performances this season. The midfielder has an eye for goal and has deceptively quick feet. His movement both on and off the ball reflects his ability to think two- three steps ahead of play and is a player clearly suited to a bigger league than Argentine Primera Divsion.

Alvarez will face stern competition from Ramsey and Wilshere for a starting place in midfield. Undoubtedly a player with huge potential, he can either turn out to be the next Iniesta, or the next Diaby. Denilson's exit may bring joy for Gooners across the country, but only the coming season will tell whether Wenger is replacing like for like.


See Alvarez video compilation here