Good morning Gooner's, There is quite a few report's of Gaël Clichy leaving and not many regarding a replacement. I am aware Kieran Gibbs will be wanting to step up, which is a definite option, as it's one of the hardest area's to fill. Apart from that, any other possibilities?
Jose Enrique is a player linked with a move to Arsenal. I think he is a very good left back. As good as Baines in my opinion. He is also better on the ball, a better crosser and better defender then Clichy. Clichy just has pace and without that looks very vulnerable.
Jose is a fantastic player. He has a near perfect injury record too, so would Gibbs be happy to sit on the bench all the time? Nope, so you may have to let him go too.
I think Gibbs is a squad player at best at the moment. He's still got it all ahead of him, so he could become a really good player. But if Clichy leaves we will definitely need to replace him with someone who has a proven track record.
Baines or Enrique. I don't think Gibbs is up to the task, although I see him more as a winger anyway.
I'd love to see us with 2 stalwart centre halves and Vermaelen pushed to LB !! What a defence that would be.
Gibbs would be a good replacement for Clichy if he could stay fit for longer than 45 minutes! but i agree that i dont think his ready just yet. Baines would be my choice but i'm sure his price will go up just because his english...
Is Vermalen actually good at LB? From what I have heard he is an average player when he does it for Belgium.
I havent seen much of Vermalen at LB but i cant imagine he would do the job that would be required of an Arsenal left back. Aresnal need a full back who can get up and down the wings for 90 mins and I dont think that he would be capable of that. Also Vermalen would be wasted out there as he should be your first CB on the teamsheet.
Gibbs can't demand a first team place because when he has played, he hasn't looked up to the part. Partially not his fault because of his stop-start career and injuries but I don't think Gibbs is good enough defensively.
Agree that TV would be wasted at LB. If clichy goes then we need to sign a proper LB and not try and shoehorn someone in there, especially when he is currently our best CB ! I think Baines or Enrique would be an obvious option, both are established in the Premier league.
Vermaelen is a left back. When we signed him as a CB the reaction in Belgium and Holland was shock, followed by laughter. His goals overshadowed his defensive deficiencies in his first season, and his injury enhanced his reputation in his second season. TV is over-rated as a CB (although he is the best we have)
