In recent times the fact that Arsenal need a strong defensive midfielder has become common knowledge amongst every soul watching the game. However despite the club so blatantly needing to strengthen in that area, Arsene Wenger has decided to neglect the idea on multiple occasions. Fan pressure though, may force his hand in this months or the summer’s transfer window and 2 names have been more strongly linked with a move to North London than most. Morgan Schneiderlin and William Carvalho of Southampton and Sporting Lisbon respectively. I believe the latter would be the far better signing though and hope for Arsenal’s sake, Wenger takes the right decision and focuses his aim on his fellow countryman.
In terms of style, Schneiderlin fits the criteria. He likes to press high and aggressively, trying to win the ball off players in high areas of the pitch. Arsenal haven’t had a player with these qualities since the days of Patrick Viera, something that a plethora of on lookers have pointed out in the past few years. Carvalho is probably more technically sound but despite having a more impressive physical frame, is more laid back and bases his game on position as well as his superb reading of the game. However Arsenal’s problem is that they have had too many highly technical players and not enough with bite, who would look to dominate in midfield. Schneiderlin would certainly provide that, adding a lot more passion and fight to the Gunners ranks. Whilst Carvalho can often go missing in games and this is something that should deter Wenger from acquiring his services.
The Southampton man also has the advantage of having played very well in the Premier League for the past few years and is already accustomed to English football. Meanwhile Carvalho would need a transitional period to come to terms with the pace of the league. He would also have to get settled into a new country and acclimatise to it’s culture, whilst trying to learn the language from scratch.
Schneiderlin is only 25 (3 years older than the Portuguese) and has many years at the top potentially ahead of him as well. Furthermore, he’s currently the better of the 2 players by a considerable margin and is far more complete as an individual. Arsenal need ready-made stars who won’t need a lot of guidance. Essentially they need somebody to join the club who is already the real deal and the Frenchman is seemingly that. What’s more Carvalho won’t come any cheaper, as I know Wenger does enjoy a good bargain. He is a highly rated young player and Sporting always try to sell on their best young stars for the maximum price. He is also owned by a 3rd party and his agent is Jorge Mendes – one of the most powerful men in the world of football, meaning that we would be talking about a fee of up to £30m. Schneiderlin wouldn’t exactly be cheap either though as Southampton always drive a hard bargain but he won’t cost much more if any more than the Lisbon man.
Everything seems to point at Morgan Schneiderlin being the man for the Gunners to fill this particular whole in their side. I’m sure that will come to a host of moans and groans from Southampton fans at the prospect of another star man leaving St Mary’s, but it’s undeniable. He is the type of defensive midfielder Arsenal need and his style would suit the club perfectly. He’s settled in this country and knows how to perform in the Premier League, he’s also currently a better player when they are in need of a ready-made star and he’s not too much more expensive. William Carvalho is a good player and he could go on to become world class but as of now the man I have faced him up against in this article would make much more sense as a purchase. Take note if you are reading Arsene!