After all the waiting and wondering, Steve Lomas has been confirmed as manager of Millwall after a press conference at The Den this week.
He may already be working against the tide after some fans condemned the club decision to choose Lomas, but there is method in the madness. A young up and coming manager who has done well on a budget.
Exactly what this club needs.
Because it’s not like he’ll have millions to spend here, we have one of the lowest budgets in the league. He got St.Johnstone into Europe, who knows what he can do in SE16.
He may just be paying lip service to the fans to try and appease some hostility, but he seems to be saying all the right things.
The main factors to come out of his press conference is that he will sign players who will give their all and are ready to fight, we were badly missing that in the second half of the season. And that he aims to make the Den a fortress again after a disastrous last year – most teams were able to stroll around for 90 minutes and leave with three points very easily.
Plus, we are already seeing differences between both Lomas and Kenny Jackett in management styles.
He said: “I’m passionate on the sideline. I don’t mind losing but you can lose in the right way, with passion and fight.”
I know most clubs want passion and desire, but at ‘Wall it comes above all else. We don’t care if you lose, just make sure you give your all for us.
Lomas is just as loud in the dugout as he was on the pitch. Whereas Kenny was the quiet and reserved type of manager. Like at Birmingham away last season, we had a goal given twice and disallowed three times, he just stood still like nothing was happening, he was cunning with his abuse, whereas I can imagine Lomas letting rip.
And whereas you wouldn’t know if Jackett was signing a player until he was at the Den being shown in the new kit. Lomas has already publicly talked about transfer targets, mainly free transfer striker Simeon Jackson, saying he is the type of player he would like in his team, but I’m guessing we would be at the back of the line in suitors for him.
And now it seems that a ex Lions legend is set to make a return to the Den, with Neil Harris set to return as a coach. It is unsure whether he will be a coach with the first team, or with the development squad, but this could prove to be a good decision either way.
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If Harris is with the development squad, imagine the experience gained by being coached by the all time leading goal scorer. And if with the first team, he could be a vital buffer between the fans and the squad, after all, he knows the club inside and out, he knows what is needed to be a success here.
Ajax manager Frank de Boer believes Christian Eriksen will be a hit in the Premier League ahead of his proposed £10million move to Tottenham Hotspur, reports the Metro.
The 21-year-old Danish playmaker has agreed a five-year deal at White Hart Lane and is expected to complete his move by the end of the week.
And de Boer believes Eriksen will be a big success at Spurs, but admits he will leave a big whole in his Ajax side next season.
He told de Telegraaf: “Eriksen will go and he can be a success at Spurs.
“But this is a huge loss for us. He is very important to the squad.”
Eriksen’s arrival is thought to be as an alternative to former target Willian, who opted to sign for Chelsea despite already passing a medical with Spurs.
Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has spent over almost £90million in improving his Spurs side this summer as he attempts to build a side capable of finishing in the top-four ahead of London rivals Arsenal, while it is expected that Gareth Bale will complete his world-record £85million move to Real Madrid by the end of the week.
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Meanwhile, Spurs have also been linked with Lazio’s Brazilian playmaker Hernanes, who is yet to sign a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish is adamant that main man Luis Suarez will stay at the club this winter, as reported by Sky Sports.
Speculation has grown in recent weeks over the future of Suarez with admirers Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all in the hunt for a new striker in January.
The Uruguayan helped his country to a thumping victory in Jordan on Wednesday, all-but clinching their place at the World Cup next summer.
Dalglish claims that Suarez knows how vital he is to Liverpool and that the 26 year old will stay at Anfield to help the Reds push their way into the top four and finally back into the Champions League.
“There will be speculation about Luis Suarez leaving the Reds. There always is. But I don’t think he’s going anywhere,” Dalglish wrote in the Daily Mirror.
“He’s thriving in this Liverpool team and everyone at Anfield knows he is crucial to maintaining a challenge.”
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Tottenham are considering a move for Roma’s American midfielder Michael Bradley, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Italian giants have recently completed the signing of Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, which could see Bradley made surplus to requirements.
The 26-year-old is currently behind the likes of Kevin Strootman, Miralem Pjanic and Daniele De Rossi in the pecking order at the Stadio Olimpico, and could look for a January move following the arrival of Nainggolan.
This could alert Tottenham and their Technical Director Franco Baldini, who took Bradley to Rome in 2012.
Bradley has previously played in the Premier League, where he had an unsuccessful loan spell with Aston Villa.
London rivals Fulham have also been linked with a move.
Tottenham could be in the market for a new midfielder, following the news Etienne Capoue could be on his way out of White Hart Lane, less than six months after signing.
The French midfielder has failed to impress during the first half of the season, and has often been played out of position at centre back.
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Napoli are reportedly ready to test Tim Sherwood’s desire to keep the midfielder, after manager Rafael Benitez missed out on moves for Lyon’s Maxime Gonalons and the previously mentioned Nainggolan.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez is set on six new summer signings, after given a transfer kitty of more than £20m, to transform Everton into a European contender, Daily Mail reports.
The Toffees are currently only six points behind fourth place Arsenal, and with the Gunners facing Manchester City this weekend, Everton could cut it down to three with a win at bottom side club Fulham.
However even if the Merseysiders are to fall short, they are still likely to secure a Europa League spot and Martinez intends to sign six new players to cope with the demands of Europe.
The Spanish manager is looking to sign Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis from Chelsea as well as making Gareth Barry also a permanent signing from Manchester City.
He is also looking to bring Jack Rodwell back to Goodison Park, who left for the Citizens in the summer of 2012 but has rarely featured for the Sky Blues.
“Whether we are in Europe or not is a big factor,” said Martinez.
“We’ve got money but I didn’t think spending in January was the right thing to do. If we get in Europe I think that makes a difference of six players
“You need around 27 players plus keepers for Europe. It doesn’t have to be 27 senior players, it can be young players too, but 27.
“We have identified what we need for next season in terms of the areas, and then you start working on your wish-list.
“If you get into the Champions League you can look for your number one choice. If not, you’re going to number four, five, six and maybe seven or eight.
“But we have got the money and it is there to be spent.”
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With Italy’s World Cup exit and AC Milan Vice President Barbara Berlusconi’s assertion that no player is “irreplaceable”, the wait for Mario Balotelli’s much-anticipated transfer to Arsenal seemed to be drawing to a close.
Except, as it turns out, Arsene Wenger was never interested in Balotelli.
When asked about the striker, the Arsenal manager described the story as “pure invention”, saying “we cannot believe absolutely everything that is on the internet or in the papers.”
With these comments, Wenger could obviously be hiding his genuine interest from the media. But by the same token, the manager has not publicly expressed any sentiment to fuel the speculation.
Regardless, the need for a new striker at the Emirates remains. And with the World Cup ongoing, there is plenty of attacking talent on show for Wenger to consider.
Balotelli may never have been a target. But in any case, here are SIX World Cup alternatives to the Italian for Arsenal to consider.
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Click on Karim Benzema to start
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KARIM BENZEMA
A striker that has been repeatedly linked with the Gunners since last summer, talk of a move for Benzema has gone strangely quiet in the last month. However, with three goals and two assists for France so far, the Real Madrid star has issued a timely reminder of his talents.
If this late effort against Switzerland hadn’t been bizarrely cancelled out by the referee, Benzema would be level with Lionel Messi and Neymar in the race for the Golden Boot right now.
With talks over a contract extension at Madrid stalling, there seems to be an opportunity for Wenger to make a move. A huge fee would be needed but the Frenchman could be the elite striker Arsenal need to bolster their challenge for honours.
MARIO MANDZUKIC
With the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Mandzukic’s future at Bayern Munich has been under scrutiny for some time. It is hard to envisage a scenario where both can be content at the Allianz Arena next season.
Mandzukic’s recent declaration that he intends to leave the German champions has put a number of clubs on alert. Although the 28 year old is certainly a top-class striker, there are some concerns that he is too similar a player to Olivier Giroud for any potential partnership to succeed.
Nevertheless, he is an alternative that Wenger should certainly consider this summer.
JACKSON MARTINEZ
Another name that has been touted in connection with Arsenal, Martinez has only started once for Colombia so far. But with two goals in the 4-1 victory over Japan, it would be safe to say that the 27 year old has staked a strong claim to retain his spot for Saturday’s clash with Uruguay.
The striker turned nicely and finished with aplomb for his second goal in Colombia’s final group fixture.
Having constantly found the net in his spell with Porto so far, Martinez had undoubtedly attracted the attention of a number of Europe’s leading sides. But with a release clause of £33 million and indications that the Portuguese side will accept nothing less, there are doubts over whether he is the best option for Wenger this summer.
LOIC REMY
With Benzema currently firing on all cylinders for France, Remy hasn’t seen much game time in Brazil so far. But the 27 year old remains a player in demand and despite QPR’s return to the top flight, the Frenchman isn’t expected to feature in Harry Redknapp’s plans for next season.
Having racked up fourteen strikes in a blunt Newcastle side, Remy is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League and probably the most affordable alternative on this list. Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Wenger could view the 27 year old as a smart investment for next season.
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WILFRIED BONY
Despite being introduced to the Premier League in a struggling Swansea City side, Bony still managed to impress in his debut campaign in England. The 25 year old managed to net 16 league goals and started ahead of Didier Drogba for the Ivory Coast’s opening two fixtures in Brazil.
With the Swans signing of Bafetimbi Gomis, there is the feeling that Bony is almost a certainty to leave this summer. Although he would certainly deliver goals, there is a debate as to whether the Ivorian represents an upgrade on Giroud and it is difficult envisage the pair working in tandem.
ROMELU LUKAKU
Football – Belgium v Algeria – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Group H – Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil – 17/6/14Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku during the national anthemsMandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew CouldridgeLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Many people’s tip for the Golden Boot, Lukaku has endured an abysmal start to the World Cup. The 21 year old’s place in Marc Wilmot’s side is reportedly coming under serious threat from rising star Divock Origi.
Despite this, Mourinho’s apparent willingness to sell Lukaku means Wenger should seriously consider making a move. The Belgian seems certain to develop into one of European football’s leading strikers and would most likely serve as a replacement to Giroud rather than a partner.
Judging by this effort though, Wenger shouldn’t sign him on the strength of the 21 year old’s rapping skills.
Manchester United have found it very hard to adjust to life post Alex Ferguson and a lot of issues have been identified; mainly the lack of re-enforcement of a weak and depleted squad left behind by the Scotsman when he retired.
David Moyes was like a fish out of water when he was appointed and struggled greatly to attract any big names to the club in his first summer of spending. He inherited a squad that was down to its bare bones and was severely weakened in defence. It was a big ask for him to come in and continue to bring glory to Old Trafford with such a poor squad of players and a lack of understanding of how things should be done at one of the biggest clubs in the world. There-in lies one of the biggest problems he had. He was trying to run things the way someone else had set them up to be run, rather than bring his own authority and style to the fold.
Louis Van Gaal has been drafted in and has already shown that he is willing to tear up the Fergie textbook and rubber stamp his own philosophy and way of doing things from the word go. Even when he was in charge of Holland at the World up he was dictating from Brazil back to Carrington what he wanted in terms of his training plan and his transfer targets list. His presence could be felt at the club without him having to actually be there. That is the first major differencE between the Dutchman and Moyes, and it is a big step in the right direction for United under their new manager.
Recruitment of players has also seen a significant improvement on last season’s dismal efforts which saw the very unusual transfer of Marouane Fellaini from Everton as a last ditch attempt from Moyes to show his new employers that he wouldn’t start the season empty handed. Fast forward a year and we have seen a host of ‘Galacticos’ grace us with their presence in the shape of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo (not forgetting the promising prospects of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera of course.)
Such a vast improvement in player recruitment and a change in tactics that the new manager has brought with him will be a breath of fresh air at Old Trafford, despite suffering a winless first three games of the new season and a humiliating cup defeat to lower League opposition.
Man United look like a decent team(at least on paper) and a team that certainly has the potential to win football matches, cups and Premier League titles again.
It won’t be an over night transformation from zero to hero for the Manchester outfit, and the task ahead is certainly not an easy one by any stretch of the imagination, but In Van Gaal United have a very experienced manager who knows how to motivate his players, how to utilise his players in the way they should be used, how to win matches and how to achieve success.
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He just needs to be given the time to make everything come together properly in his own way. We see all to often these days in modern football that club owners want an instant return of success and lose patience way too easily. But if the United hierarchy can give their Dutch manger the time he needs, he will work his magic and we will soon see them winning titles again.
We’re in for another fantastic feast of Premier League football at the weekend; Southampton visit Tottenham in a bid to haunt former boss Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday, whilst Leicester host Burnley to decide things at the less flattering end of the league table.
That’s followed by a heavyweight Sunday afternoon. It’s maxim – Chelsea vs Arsenal, but the lunchtime kick-off witnesses Manchester United taking on Everton at Old Trafford.
The Toffees did the double over the Red Devils last season – in fact, their victory at Old Trafford in April proved to be David Moyes’ last game in charge of the former Premier League champions – so United fans will be demanding an improved performance.
But with the quality and depth of the English top flight so immense, the majority of fixtures now come down individual battles.
With that in mind, here’s FIVE key individual contests that could decide the heavyweight tie on Sunday afternoon.
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON LOUIS VAN GAAL TO REVEAL ALL
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PHIL JONES VS ROMELU LUKAKU
Football – Everton v Southampton – Barclays Premier League – Goodison Park – 29/12/13Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring the second goal for EvertonMandatory Credit: Action Images / Craig BroughLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative
Manchester United find themselves amid a harrowing injury crisis, but Phil Jones is tipped to return from the sidelines to face Everton, having suffered a thigh strain during England’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland earlier this month.
It’s fantastic news for Louis van Gaal – the Red Devils desperately need a centre-back with the experience and physicality to marshal record Toffees signing Romelu Lukaku on Sunday afternoon.
Likely to return to a central role after struggling out wide against Liverpool last weekend, the 21 year-old will be keen to get back to goal scoring ways – two goals in six Premier League outings is a rather sedated return compared to Lukaku’s high standards over the past two seasons.
He’ll fancy his chances against the Red Devils too; nine of the last ten Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford have witnessed 2.5 goals or more, and the Belgium international netted a hat-trick against United on the last day of the 2012/13 campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/1rKOdVAKTv8?rel=0
Jones is set to be partnered with Marcos Rojo, in the absence of Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans (injury) and Tyler Blackett (suspension).
The summer signing was at the heart of United’s 5-3 defeat to Leicester City and is still coming to terms with the pace, power and intensity of the Premier League. As well as stopping a battering ram in Lukaku, the England international needs to keep his Argentine colleague organised.
ANGEL DI MARIA VS JAMES MCCARTHY
How to solve a problem like Angel Di Maria?
The former Real Madrid star has been nothing short of sensational since swapping the Bernabeu for Old Trafford in August, running the show from midfield and demonstrating his world-class end product in emphatic style:
This eloquent chip against Leicester City particularly stood out:
Indeed, the Argentina international is yet to go a game for United without contributing to a goal, so if the Toffees are to get anything from their visit to Old Trafford, they’ll have to stop Di Maria or at least slow him down.
That duty could well be passed to James McCarthy – the Ireland international missed Everton’s Europa League tie with Krasnodar yesterday evening with a strained quad, but will be hoping to return against the Red Devils.
In positional terms, he lines up directly against Di Maria – the South American habitually deployed at left-centre-mid and McCarthy and right-centre-mid – and as Everton’s engine room, possesses the athleticism and energy to go toe-to-toe with the United star for much of the match.
Should the Toffees dynamo be ruled out through injury, summer signing Muhamed Besic or former Red Devils youngster Darron Gibson are likely to take his place.
JUAN MATA VS GARETH BARRY
With Wayne Rooney suspended for this excessive professional foul against West Ham:
…misfit Juan Mata looks set to take over at the tip of Manchester United’s midfield diamond.
The Spain international has struggled to find his place at Old Trafford since leaving Chelsea in January 2014, but let’s not forget what he’s capable of; Mata claimed back-to-back Player of the Year awards for his former employers and despite limited game-time, has already hit the onion-bag twice this season.
Operating as Everton’s deepest lying midfielder, Gareth Barry will have to keep a leash on the 26 year-old playmaker. The former England man struggled against Liverpool last weekend – in fact, he was fortunate not to be sent for an early shower in the opening twenty minutes – so a significantly higher level of performance is required.
Mata’s absolutely lethal from dead ball situations too – take this curler from last season for example:
<br
Fouls will have to be kept down to a minimum, but Everton currently boast one of the cleanest records in the Premier League:
RADAMEL FALCAO VS PHIL JAGIELKA AND JOHN STONES
Despite providing two assists, marquee signing Radamel Falcao is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.
He’ll fancy his chances of breaking his duck on Sunday however – Everton currently have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, conceding 14 times in six fixtures and recording a solitary clean sheet against West Brom.
Indeed, Chelsea slammed them for six and Crystal Palace bagged three goals with just three shots on target against the Toffees, but the Merseyside derby produced an improved performance as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw.
Much of that was centred around John Stones coming back in at centre-half to partner Phil Jagielka, with Sylvain Distin sidelined through injury. The 36 year-old veteran could return to fitness at the weekend but his form has been poor this season and it’s likely Roberto Martinez will stick with the England duo instead.
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In Falcao they’ll be up against one of the most lethal strikers in Europe – the former Atletico Madrid star’s career record stands at an incredible 200 goals in 308 appearances. Here’s ten of the Colombian’s most memorable goals:
//www.youtube.com/embed/YDfjYoW4Bvk?rel=0
LEIGHTON BAINES VS RAFAEL
They say full-backs are now the most important players on the pitch in tactical terms, and Everton’s visit to Manchester United could will epitomise that modern trend.
<br
With Manchester United unlikely to deploy out-and-out wingers, roaming left-back Leighton Baines looks set to directly come up against Red Devils No.2 Rafael for much of the match.
The quality of the England international’s left boot needs no introduction to United – they’ve tried and failed to bring Baines to Old Trafford on uncountable occasions throughout the years.
The 29 year-old is enjoying a rich vein of form this season too, as shown below:
Rafael’s in decent nick as well – but he’ll find himself outnumbered at times on Sunday and will have to remain disciplined, whilst balancing his entrenched desire to get forward with defensive obligations.
Unfortunately, disciplined isn’t a word in the feisty Brazilian’s vocabulary – he’s yet to make the referee’s notebook this season but has already picked up two red cards in 102 Premier League appearances.
Likewise to Juan Mata, Leighton Baines’ quality from dead ball situations verges upon world-class, so United’s current average of 12.2 fouls per match will have to come down somewhat. Here’s the Three Lions defender netting a unique free-kick brace against West Ham last season:
Although Liverpool are at fifth, tied on points with fourth placed West Ham, the Reds have been nowhere near last season’s scintillating displays and were extremely lucky to get all three points against Queens Park Rangers last weekend due to a last minute Steven Caulker own goal. Brendan Rodgers’ side were also at the end of a 3-0 humbling by Real Madrid in their midweek Champions League fixture, but the manager will be confident they can get all three points against the Tigers on Saturday. Under-performing star Mario Balotelli is set to continue leading the line as first-choice striker Daniel Sturridge remains injured with a calf problem.
Hull City (3-5-1-1): Jakupovic, Chester, Davies, Bruce, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Diame, Robertson, Ben Arfa, Hernandez
Steve Bruce’s men traveled to the Emirates to face Arsenal last weekend and will be glad to come away with a point, although they could have grabbed all three if it wasn’t for a late Danny Welbeck equalizer. Hull City will need to be at the top of their game as well for their trip to Anfield, with the manager expected to deploy his usual trusted 3-5-2 system. However, due to Nikica Jelavic’s injury, Bruce will deploy Hatem Ben Arfa right behind summer signing Abel Hernandez, with the Uruguayan adapting well to the Premier League already having scored three goals in five appearances. The Tigers may need third choice goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic between the posts, with Allan McGregor and Steve Harper both struggling with injuries.
What the fans are saying…
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//www.youtube.com/embed/rRbVHopyOog
If this weekend’s clash is anything like the one back in 2008/2009 then we’re in for an absolute treat!
Arsenal have had a rather disappointing start to the season, and it is showing with fans even turning against the once-revered Arsene Wenger.
But although the manager does need to own most of the responsibility, the players haven’t covered themselves in much glory apart from Alexis Sanchez, who has basically carried the team on his back scoring 14 goals in 23 appearances.
There are definitely a few players Wenger is looking to sign, but could any of these five from the Italian Serie A be the boost needed for the Gunners to mount some sort of challenge?
Here are FIVE SERIE A players Arsenal should sign this January.
Ignazio Abate
Ignazio Abate has had a roller coaster of a career in football, as the now right-back started out as a right winger, but his limitations forced AC Milan to loan him out to various clubs throughout his career. Eventually though, he was turned into a marauding right-back by then Brazilian coach Leonardo.
Now the Italian international is a solid right-sided defender that combines speed and defensive discipline, and would be an adequate competition for first choice Mathieu Debuchy.
With Milan still struggling financially, the 27-year-old could be lured to the Emirates with a £14million bid and a more lucrative contract.
Mattia Destro
//www.youtube.com/embed/hLXU48LsqgM
Arsenal are always in the transfer market for a world-class striker, however each time it seems Arsene Wenger prefers the more technical attacking midfielder as his marquee signing. In the past three summer windows, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and Santi Cazorla were purchased during times the Gunners were linked with the likes of Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.
Mattia Destro has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal will do well to bring the towering Roma striker. Destro has found it difficult to break into the first team past Francesco Totti, and will be yearning for regular football.
With Roma also knocked out of the Champions League, the lure to play in Europe’s biggest competition could be the key to bringing the 23-year-old to the Emirates.
Paulo Dybala
//www.youtube.com/embed/QP8YWoLoGTI
Already compared to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala is making waves in the Italian Serie A with seven goals in 15 games so far this season.
Arsenal have the correct environment in developing young talent, and Arsene Wenger will be interested in the little Argentine if was to become available.
Dybala is good in the dribble and composed on the ball, but what makes him special is the lethal finishing showcased this season at Palermo.
At only 21 years of age, Dybala can only improve but if he can maintain his form then he could be a lethal player flanking the likes of Olivier Giroud as a winger.
Adil Rami
After the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a centre-back the entire season so far.
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The Gunners could consider a move for AC Milan defender Adil Rami, who despite some impressive performances has found it difficult to nail a regular starting position, albeit many times due to niggling injuries.
Rami has been linked with Arsenal in the past and is the perfect player to fit in the role, as the Spaniard is composed on the ball yet still has the physicality to play in the English top flight.
Martin Caceres
Martin Caceres is now at his fourth year with Serie A champions Juventus, but although his appearance tally has improved each year, the Uruguayan has only played six games this season. It seems the appointment of Masimilliano Allegri has pushed him down the pecking order, and the Uruguayan international could look for an exit route.
Arsenal could come in with a bid, as Caceres is adept at playing at centre-back or as a right-back, perfect for such an injury prone side.
The 27-year-old is strong in the air but also extremely composed on the ball, which is a necessity in Arsenal’s passing system.