The Case for Clint

The Arsenal transfer window is always rife with speculation, gossip, and unfounded rumors.  It makes for Gooner torture as one day an exciting player is signing for the team; within hours the deal is off, City have signed them, and Arsenal are back to square one (Read: Yann M’Vila). 

Well, one of the more persistent rumors surrounding this summer window is Fulham and American star, Clint Dempsey.  In the dying moments of last summer’s transfer fiasco, it was rumored that Wenger bid for Dempsey—only to finally settle on Mikel Arteta.  Fast forward a year and Arsenal have registered their interest once more.

The tough, 29 year-old, Texan had his best season in 2011-2012.  In his sixth year at Craven Cottage, Dempsey scored 23 goals in all competitions—including 17 in the Premier League.  The American forward was asked to shoulder even more of the offensive burden than previously, especially with the mid-season departure of Bobby Zamora.  He stepped up, and although Dempsey has played primarily on the wings in earlier years, he was deployed in the “false-9” role for numerous games.

This position shift worked well for him, as his goal total significantly increased—scoring a range of breakaway, poacher, and header goals.  The American proved to be a top-flight forward in the Premier League and established himself as one of the most underappreciated players in the game.  Whether it is the US citizen in me, I’m not sure.  But, I am certain that if a Brazilian player and not an American had scored 17 Premier League goals, a much bigger deal would have been made of the season.

Still, that is pure speculation—as is the transfer discussion.  Wenger, though, has shown interest in him before.  And, with one year left on his contract, it seems Arsenal are likely to come in for him again this summer.  Moreover, Dempsey has professed a desire to make the leap to Champions League football.

Will that leap be to Arsenal this summer?  I really don’t know.  Wenger keeps his targets under tight wraps, so you can never be sure.  Also, the uncertainty surrounding Van Persie only makes the situation less clear.

Still, Dempsey would be a fantastic fit for Arsenal.  With a rumored fee of 7 million pounds, he represents good value.  I think the best comparison to the Dempsey buy is Benayoun’s loan last summer.  As with Benayoun, many Gooners have expressed skepticism about Dempsey’s ability to slot into the squad.  And, as with dear Yossi, Dempsey would win over the fans.

Dempsey offers versatility similar to Beanyoun.  He is comfortable on either wing, and can also play in the CAM role.  Moreover, he can adequately lead the line—something he did many times this season.  His work-rate is exceptional, and displays fighting spirit in every game (once playing two matches with a broken jaw).  And, if some don’t believe he has the necessary scoring touch to improve our midfield, please let me remind you.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZR48Cnn9FU

I don’t know if Dempsey will happen.  I also realize I am a little biased, and that there are other good options out there (Wenger always finds them).  Still, last season demonstrated the value of adding mature professionals with proven Premier League experience.  We also shouldn’t underplay the potential of someone who is driven to take the next step (and prove they are the best ever U.S. player).

Dempsey makes sense.  Some will disagree.  Others will know better.

Thanks for reading.  Excited to hear your thoughts—and abuse.

4 Realistic Targets for Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Window

One game to go.  Pretty amazing when you reflect on this season as an Arsenal fan.  A horrendous summer, an even worse start to the season.  At one point, it seemed Wenger’s reign was coming to a crash and burn ending.

But with one games left, Arsenal are in the driving seat for third place and guaranteed Champions League football (and its money).  This crazy season still has some twists and turns in store, we can be sure of that.  Still, Wenger has brought back the club for 17^th place in September and deserves plaudits for this accomplishment.

Assuming that Arsenal can secure a top three spot in the remaining games, then the next question is how this summer will play out.  Reinforcements are needed, and some names (cough: Park) look set to leave. 

Gooners love to speculate about the transfer window, always thinking this will be the year Wenger finally opens his pursestrings.  The signs are positive so far, with Podolski (the German Thunder) already signed and journalists saying a deal for M’Vila is almost completed.  It looks as though Wenger is learning from last year’s mishaps.  Still, more must be done and here are four realistic targets for this summer window.

Olivier Giroud

Jamie Sanderson (Arsenal blogger extraordinaire) recently suggested Oliver Giroud could head to London this summer.  If it happens, it would be a fantastic move for the Gunners offense.

Giroud, an imposing 6’4” French striker, has had another impressive season for Montpellier as they challenge for the Ligue 1 title.  Something of a late bloomer, possibly in the mold of good friend Laurent Koscielny, Giroud would be an important addition for Wenger’s side.

The striker has scored 19 league goals this campaign, chipping in with 8 assists.  And, although some Gooners might be wary of another Ligue 1 forward who is strong in the air (see: Chamakh), Giroud has an impressive blend of strength and technique which would allow him to flourish in the EPL.

If van Persie stays, and Podolski arrives, some may see Giroud as unnecessary.  Adding the powerful striker, however, would allow more forward rotation and greater flexibility—as the captain could play a more withdrawn role.

It is tough to predict whether Wenger will move for Giroud.  Still, if van Persie stays he is fantastic cover; if he leaves then the French striker suddenly becomes a priority.

Craig Gordon

Arsenal will likely be in the market for an experienced goalkeeper this summer with the departure of Manuel Almunia and possibly Lukas Fabianski.  Although Wojchech Szczesny is establishing himself as the clear number one at the Emirates, it is imperative that Wenger provide depth and competition behind the Polish stopper.  This is where Craig Gordon comes in. 

The Scottish goalkeeper has been highly rated from a young age, widely touted as a future star before his move to Sunderland.  Injuries, however, have stunted his career and he now resides as back-up at the Stadium of Light.  With his contract expiring this summer, it seems Gordon will be on the move.

Gordon would be a fantastic addition for the Gunner squad.  His experience and unquestioned talent—when healthy—would provide Szczesny with the necessary competition.  Moreover, Wenger loves a bargain and a free transfer makes his move even more appealing for the French manager.

I think it is highly likely Wenger moves for a goalkeeper this summer and, at the moment, Gordon seems the most sensible option.

Clint Dempsey

One of the most overlooked players this season has been Clint Dempsey.  While not operating as an out and out striker, he has still scored 16 league goals in 2011-2012.

Is it because he plays for Fulham?  Maybe cause he is American?  I don’t know why, but that’s beside the point.  Clint Dempsey is an impressive and versatile Premier League attacker and could be a target for Arsenal this summer.  The Mail are reporting that Arsenal are interested, and with only one year left on his contract a move is very possible.

Arsenal’s main offensive deficiencies this year have been their inability to breakdown defenses—either dribbling by or passing through—and an overreliance on van Persie for goals.

While many Gooners want highly-rated targets such as Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard, it seems unlikely either will move to the Emirates.  Clint Dempsey, however, offers a cheaper and more experienced—though admittedly less explosive—option.

The American is able to play a variety of positions—out wide, attacking midfielder, or even striker.  He has shown he is able to bang in the goals in Premier League, and at 29 he has to move now if he wants Champions League football.

Although I think Dempsey is viewed as a secondary option for Wenger, and could be priced too high by Fulham, a move for the American is still possible this summer.  Dempsey would provide valuable depth and versatility, as well as the ability to lighten some of van Persie’s goal-scoring burden.

Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen is an imposing Belgian defender who would add steel and leadership to the Arsenal back line next season.  And, encouragingly, as he enters the final year of contract, the center-back has made overtures to Arsenal recently.  Discouragingly, it seems Tottenham are also well-positioned for Vertonghen.

Vertonghen and Vermaelen are good friends from their Ajax time together, as well as the Belgian national team.  The Ajax defender is club captain, who possesses fantastic aerial ability while also comfortable bringing the ball out of the back.  In times of need, moreover, he has filled in at left-back or defensive midfield. 

This versatility, leadership, and strength would be a great addition to the Arsenal back line.  With Sebastian Squillaci almost certain to leave in the summer, and Djourou’s future unclear, Vertonghen would provide depth for the Gunner defense. 

The early signs were positive, with Vertonghen declaring his interest in a move to Arsenal.  Although some question whether moving for another center-back, with Vermaelen, Koscielny and Per already established, Arsenal has proven time and again that injuries will arrive.  It can only help to have added competition and depth.

However, over the past few weeks it has seemed less likely that Vertongen will head to Arsenal as valid concerns about playing time arise.  Still, it will probably depend on how this Sunday pans out—as with all these transfers.

Analyzing Arsenal's Transfers: Mikel Arteta

Arsenal's summer was a debacle to put it kindly. 

Samir Na$ri abandoned the team the moment a bag of cash was flashed his way.  Wenger seemed reticent to buy anyone despite millions sitting in the bank.  And our talisman Cesc finally departed for Barcelona, leaving the most glaring gap in a vulnerable Gunner side. 

But as we know, after a United thrashing, Wenger opened up his pocketbook in the 11^th hour of the transfer window.  And, by September 1^st, Arsenal had brought in seven new players. 

With more than half the season gone, I would like to analyze these buys and see how they have fit into the squad so far. 

First, lets look at Arsenal’s midfield shepherd and resident part-time male model: Mikel Arteta

The new Fabregas?  Never. 

There is only one Cesc, and all Gooners who watched him over the past eight years know that. 

A replacement for Jack?  Unlikely.  No Arsenal player (probably for the next decade) will be able to replicate Jack’s leadership, passion and pure talent.

Still, when Arteta was bought many saw him as the man to replace Cesc.  This comparison was largely down to journalistic laziness, with pundits using their shared Spanish and Barca heritages as evidence of style similarities. 

They however, offer something very different. 

For one, they don’t play in the same position in Arsenal’s squad.  Cesc was the fulcrum of the attacking side, playing higher up the pitch. 

Arteta, on the other hand, dictates the pace of the game from further back, employed in the deep-lying playmaker position opposite Alex Song.  

And although Arteta is not the new Cesc, he has proven an inspired buy by Wenger.  Arteta’s ability to retain possession and keep things ticking over in the midfield is crucial.  His passing percentage hovers around 90%, and he has completed the most passes in the Arsenal squad.

Morever, he has chipped in with a few of his trademark long-range poacher goals (see Wigan and Blackburn).  Although not the goal return he would have hoped for, these goals still provide an extra boost to a team too reliant on Van Persie for scoring. 

He also offers a defensive toughness that’s essential for Arsenal’s CM position. 

Arteta has proven adept at tackling and, more importantly, slowing down opposing attacks—with superior positional awareness.  Wenger has spoken about the solidity Mikel has brought to the Arsenal midfield.  It’s just a shame Wilshere hasn’t been able to learn firsthand from him given his injury.

Lastly, the intangibles of adding Arteta cannot be overstated. 

Players like Szczesny and the Ox have commented on his impressive training routines.  He adds a wealth of Premier League experience to a relatively young squad, and was forged in the battles of the EPL. 

He adds a steel and calmness, which are important in big games. 

When Arsenal went down 2-0 to Tottenham, Arteta can be seen calmly heading back to the center circle.  No panic.  He has been there before, and knows a game is 90 minutes.  Having that experience is critical for Arsenal’s run-in, especially given previous accusations of team weakness.  EPL fans can recognize some of that Everton grittiness in Arteta’s mentality. 

Arteta has, however, garnered some criticism for an unwillingness to play the killer pass. 

Often, it seems, he chooses to make the safer play, rather than choosing to release someone further up the field.  Still, he has shown at times the ability to do this, and ones hopes that with more experience in the Arsenal system he will take greater liberties in his attacking play. 

The other criticism of Arteta has been inconsistent set-piece deliveries.  At Everton, Arteta was lauded as a set-piece specialist—piling up assists in the process.  However, this year Gooners have witnessed numerous free kicks hitting the wall and corners failing to get past the first defender.  Many fans understandably want more from these opportunities.  Thankfully, his strike against Villa was majestic.

The Arteta transfer, though, has largely been a success.  Gooners will agree that Arteta’s absence in the run-in has been a big blow.  Since his August move, he has demonstrated his quality as the important link between defense and offense that every great side needs.  And, whether that’s what fans expected of him when he was brought in is now irrelevant. 

He was never a Cesc replacement—and that’s alright.  Arsenal still need great midfield creativity—something likely to be addressed this summer, but Arteta offers other important qualities: stability, experience and impressive ball retention. 

With Arsenal needing a win this Sunday, Gooners will agree that without Arteta this is a much tougher task.  And that alone shows how quickly Arteta has won over the Arsenal faithful.