According to a report in Caughtoffside.com, Arsenal are preparing a £6.5 million bid for Czech Republic right-back Theodor Gebre Selassie, who has impressed hugely at Euro 2012.
Gebre Selassie, who is the first ever black player to represent the Czech Republic, played every minute as the Czech’s reached the quarter finals of the Euros and has apparently attracted the attention of some major European clubs. Captain Tomas Rosicky was only fit enough for the bench and did not feature as the Czech Republic were knocked last night after losing 1-0 loss to Portugal.
However, Wenger will have to act very quickly as the player revealed to a Czech newspaper that he already in talks with Werder Bremen:
“I am close to joining Werder Bremen, but I am only focused on the Euros now.
“The Bundesliga seems to be a good competition. I watch it sometimes, especially now with players like [Wolfsburg and Czech midfielder] Petr Jiracek there.
“This is one of the best leagues in Europe, it would be great to play there.”
According to an article I have read by a Czech Arsenal fan who has watched Gebre Selassie play for league champions Slovan Liberec, he is a reliable defender who is slightly faster and arguably a better crosser than Bacary Sagna. Arsène Wenger apparently see’s the 25-year-old as somebody who would fit in perfectly with Arsenal’s style of play. Whether or not he is worth anywhere near £6.5 million (the money Wenger spends/wastes on players who never feature or reach their “potential” is starting to get slightly ridiculous) is up for debate. That said, I do think that it would be good to bring in another right-back as cover as I have mixed feelings about Carl Jenkinson.
I do not know enough about Gebre Selassie to tell you whether or not we should be making a move for this player; I have only seen him play twice and the two performances were at complete opposite ends of the scale. Against Russia the Czech defence was awful and he really struggled to assert his authority on the game. Against Greece, however, I saw a completely different player. He was calm and composed on the ball and even provided a decent assist for the winning goal.
“(the money Wenger spends/wastes on players who never feature or reach their “potential” is starting to get slightly ridiculous)”…
I think you´ll find AW has a significantly better record than any other manager in Europe.
Meanwhile, he just has finished his move the the Bremen.
If we’re looking to get any Czech player based on Euro 2012 games, it has to be Petr Jiráček.
Selassie wasn’t that impressive of a defender if you ask me. He relied way too much on pure speed than actual defensive know how – he was overrated and was only highlighted before the tournament because he was the first black Czech player. his positioning is suspect and his tackling technique mediocre.
That being said he’s already gone to Bremen and we should be looking at Debuchy if we want a right back.