Why Wenger wants Etienne Capoue (Video)

Towards the end of the January transfer window, Arsenal were heavily linked with a new striker before the north London side confirmed the signing of Nacho Monreal from Malaga on deadline day. The left-back signed following reports that Kieran Gibbs would be out for up to six weeks with injury, while trusting Andre Santos in the role is about a daring as leaping over Springfield Gorge on a skateboard.

However, there is one key area that manager Arsene Wenger failed to address – the midfield. Since an injury to Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have been the bit less sturdy in the middle of the park, with Francis Coquelin nothing more than a bit part player and Abou Diaby consistently one week away from fitness.

Wenger may've attempted to bring in Toulouse man Etienne Capoue before the transfer window slammed shut, but ultimately failed in convincing the Ligue 1 side to sell their prized asset without a replacement secured.

The 24-year-old would effectively shield the defence that has appeared cumbersome and lackadaisical in recent months. It's no surprise, in that case, that reports suggest Arsenal are to move again for Capoue once the summer transfer window opens.

Standing at 6ft 2in, it's hard to miss the Frenchman in the middle of the park, while his ability to instigate counter attacks utilising his vast range of passing will only bolster his credentials and, with the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain patrolling the wings, Capoue can utilise the speed of the duo to stunning effect.  

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Comments

[davi]

he's a giant flamini!

[JJ]

We've been hearing about him for a while now, but I still don't understand why we didn't sign him in Jan. In my opinion losing Song has been even more detrimental than losing Van Persie. I don't even understand why we sold Song in the first place, since we had been light in midfield since Viera left. I think we badly needed to sign a Defensive Mid as well as a winger in this window as we have no natural player in either position (well, Gervinho is our only winger by trade). Why Wenger did NOT make these a priority is a mystery.
We only signed Monreal because Gibbs got injured, there's a glaring like of vision and anticipation at this club when it comes to transfers, Wenger seems to be on a mission to ignore the basics, like solidity at the back, using specialists in some positions, blending youth and experience or looking for players with a game winning mentality