Owen Hargreaves

Our manager may be off his rocker, but this rumour is completely crazy. When Wenger signed Silvestre from Man Utd in 2008, that was weird enough. To sign an experienced player from our arch rivals is unusual, but even more so when he is merely a fringe player in their squad. Hargreaves is just another example of such a player – experienced but not a key member of Sir Alex‘s side. The 30 year old has played only 39 games in four seasons at Utd, mainly due to a set of injuries that even Robin van Persie would be proud of.

Song has had very little competition for his defensive midfield spot. He has been accused of failing to put in his shift at times during the season, perhaps this is due to the fact that Wenger has no other option. Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas and Wilshere have all slotted into Song’s position at times in the last year, but none of them have been particularly impressive. Denilson can sit back and control the game with his fantastic sideways passing, although you may remember that our Brazilian failed to do this against the might that is…Leyton Orient. Diaby is not a defensive midfielder – plain and simple. Fabregas and Wilshere become inhibited when they are placed in the holding role. Their attacking prowess should be harnessed, and this position can stifle their talents.

So it seems that a defensive midfield back-up would be a good way of bolstering the squad. Hargreaves would be able to transfer to Arsenal on a Bosman – meaning that the only cost would be his wages. It is rumoured that the Englishman is on around £70,000 a week – in Arsenal’s wage structure, this is apparently quite high. Then again, it would probably place him below most of the Gunners’ top earners.

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