Arsenal Opinion: Is losing Koscielny Worth Gaining Benzema?

Chelsea may have won the league comfortably but the second half of the season made even the most ignorant fan wonder if Arsenal were the best team in the league. The Gunners need one 25+ goal striker who will surely bring them the Premier League title next season, just like Luis Suarez did almost did for Liverpool. Currently, Alexis Sanchez with 16 goals is Arsenal’s top scorer but is nowhere near the return rivals have gotten from their best net busters. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero has scored 26 goals in 33 games while Diego Costa has found the back of the net 20 times despite playing only 26 games this season. Arsenal need to get themselves a striker of the kind.

Arsene Wenger has his sights set on Karim Benzema who would feature alone upfront or in partnership with compatriot Olivier Giroud. The change in management at Real Madrid has made the deal tricky. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Arsenal centre back Laurent Koscielny and may want to barter Benzema to obtain him. It looks like a good deal as Gabriel can fill in for Koscielny next season while Benzema bolsters the attack. But the novelty of the situation should not overshadow the fact that Koscielny is far more important to this current squad than Benzema will ever be to a future line up.

Kos he is a wall behind

Koscielny missed 14 games in the first half of the season due to an Achilles injury and his absence was significantly responsible for the Gunners surrendering their title challenge. Arsenal won just 27 points from their first 17 games, conceding 21 goals in the process. This is in stark contrast to the last 15 games which Kosicielny has started, where Arsenal have kept 7 clean sheets and conceded only 10 goals. There have been many factors responsible for Arsenal’s resurgence post December but Koscielny’s return to fitness is one which has been key.

Benzema’s impact is a gamble but Koscielny’s loss will certainly be felt. If Arsenal start the next season the way the ended the current one, they will no reasons to fear. Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck are all on the threshold of great performances and can share the load of scoring 40+ goals between themselves. The departure of Koscielny puts the entire defence at risk. Mertesacker feeds off his partner’s leadership and will soon be exposed if Koscielny moves to Madrid. Gabriel is inexperienced and will take time to learn the English game, in which case Arsenal may start the season poorly again next season.

A swap deal works in nobody’s favour. Koscielny will not be guaranteed game time at the Bernabeu with Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Varane battling for a starting position. Wenger’s wisdom should dictate him to keep Koscielny and if he loses out on Benzema then so be it. It’s best not to hunt for a striker who empowers the attack only after weakening the defence.