Filling the Gaps

Current and Former Captains



So here we are on the cusp of 2012 casting an eye on the coveted spots occupied by those above us (included the hated Spuds) while looking over our shoulder at those nipping at our heels.  And while we have experienced a growing confidence in our team, I am looking forward to a time when some of our injured players can come back and fill their roles properly thus allowing our out-of-position players a breath of relief as they move to their more natural roles.

As much as I love seeing my Vermie play every game, even I can acknowledge that his talents are more of a use to us in the center of defense where his gritty play and incredible vertical leap are even more beneficial. 

And although our Dutch of Class and Captain is having the season of his career, we wait with baited breath every game for him to show a hamstring strain or suffer a horrendous tackle.  What would we do if something happens to him?  Chamakh is still suffering from a lack of confidence (or being blackmailed into becoming a complete shambles of a striker for going on a year) and is leaving in January to participate in the ACN along with one of our goalscorers, Gervinho.  Who is on the bench to give Robin some rest?  Arsene shows no confidence in Park playing him only one time in a Cup match and once in Champions League.  Having never set foot on grass for a Premier League game, he is, it seems, a last resort.

Which brings us first off to Thierry Henry.  Having arrived at London Colney  back in mid-November for fitness purposes, Titi has gone from merely being happy to train at his former club to now being a very possible - and very short term- loan move for Arsenal.  Our cagey manager denied rumors of a move back in November, he has now revealed it was his idea to try and push through loan move with Henry's current team the New York Red Bulls. The deal sounds basically done except for the insurance details being finalized.  If the deal goes go through, Henry may not be ready to play until the Leeds game on January 9th with Wenger admitting his fitness still needs a little work.

I'm of the mind that Henry will be a great but temporary option from the bench, and cannot fully be the missing striker that we need.  Van Persie and Arsenal need a proficient scorer who can give Arsene an option when RVP needs a rest and perhaps give the Dutchman a reason to extend his contract at the end of a season.  Arsenal have been linked with two strikers for the January transfer window:  Lukas Podolski currently playing for his home club Cologne in the Bundesliga and Olivier Giroud from the Ligue 1 club Montpellier.  Below are compilations I have found on YouTube that I think highlight their skills as best as possible.

What's interesting is that both are left footed players which gives us the same option at corners and free kicks that Robin provides us.  I have to admit that from limited ability to view these players, I would opt for Podolski in that he seems strongly built and could endure the physical rigours the Premier League requires while having pace and a rifle of a left foot.  He also is used to playing on the wing as well.  So while Gervinho is gone, he could additionally be an option on the left.
Giroud seems technically gifted and a good finisher, but as he is currently on a goal scoring run, he probably would be pricey and difficult to pry away from his current club mid-season.  According to the Metro, Montpellier's owner is asking a hefty fee as he has two years left on his contract. Knowing Arsenal - this alone could obliterate our pursuit of him.

Podloski is having a great season as well scoring 14 goals in15 matches but is out of contract at the end of next season (sound familiar?).   The club's director would like him to sign an extension, and Lukas has been quoted as admiring Arsenal while admitting that there had not been any talks held.  Well, that does not bother me as talks are not to officially take place for two more days.  If Cologne (or Koln) are in any debt they could use this opportunity to balance their books and have an extra few months to scout Lukas' replacement rather than be put through a protracted negotiation at the end of the season.  Podolski is 26 years old.  He's peaking and, if he has any ambition, needs to hone his skills in a more competitive league with what could be his last professional contract.

All in all, I hope Podloski signs.  I saw him play the 2006 World Cup when he was only 19 years old and thought he was wonderful.  Plus, he'd have a comrade in Mertie who rates Podolski as well:

"He is a great player, especially for the national team," Mertesacker said. "He scores a lot of goals, and he has a very good finish with his left foot. His left foot is unbelievable and I'm a fan of him. This year, he has scored a lot of goals. He is powerful as well."

As always, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.  Tomorrow we play QPR and the big question is whether Arsene will rest RVP in the middle of this fixture congestion, or will he play him, thus allowing him the chance to tie or break Alan Shearer's meaningless record?  More details on that in tomorrow's post.  Plus, I'll be writing about the state of affairs with our full backs in the coming days so stay tuned.

Take care Gooners.  Feel free to tell me what you think about our striker situation in the comments.  Until tomorrow...