Does Arsenal need a defensive midfielder?

Getting a new defensive midfielder has been high on the agenda of Arsenal football club since the departure of Alex Song to FC Barcelona. Whether we need a new defensive midfielder or not depends on a few things: 1) what is going to be our style of play in the coming season 2) whether we trust our up-and-coming youngsters to take that place.

Mikel Arteta
Image Source- Wikimedia Commons

In the last season, we have seen Mikel Arteta play the defensive midfielder role with considerable level of effectiveness. Arteta had to be molded into playing that role as he was originally one of the offensive midfielders.  Playing Arteta alone in the defensive midfield role may not be enough in the coming season. Firstly, age is catching up with him. Secondly, he does not have the physical presence to break up plays. And we do not have enough physical presence in the middle of the park to support Arteta. If we have to play a single defensive midfielder, then we need someone who is more physical. This physical player may either be one of the central midfield players or he has to be the defensive midfielder himself. At this moment we do not have any players who can match these requirements. So, obviously we need a new recruitment at the defensive midfielder position if we are to excel in the league and at the continental stage.

Aaron Ramsey showed great promise during the end half of the previous season. I trust him to improve and he may become a part of the first team in the near future. But even if he improves, he's more likely to take the position of Arteta rather than playing as a physically imposing all around defensive midfielder. Our other players are not apt at playing the defensive midfielder position and neither have the physical presence to play such a position. As all Arsenal fans know, Abou Diaby is really not an option. He may be extremely talented and have potential, but he is so injury prone that trusting such a player could be very risky. I see no other players in our youth team or reserve team who can make the place of defensive midfielder his own, at least in the coming season. As an ambitious club, we have to venture into the transfer market and bring in someone who can actually break up plays in the middle of the park and effectively protect our defenders, as we have been lacking against physical teams and top clubs.

Marouane Fellaini
Image source- Wikimedia Commons

Many players have been suggested for the role and while many may not agree, my choice for the position is Everton's Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini is a proven Premier league midfielder and ticks all the boxes for me. He's physically imposing, tall and strong, can effectively deal with aerial threats and is also a decent passer of the ball. At set pieces, he can be a real threat for us and will surely grab a few goals. He is also versatile and can effectively play behind the striker as well as a striker if the situation demands. He has himself stated that his favored position is the defensive midfielder position and so he can play in his natural position at our club. He will flourish alongside Arteta in a defensive midfield duo and at the same time allow Arteta to be more creative and show his offensive prowess. By breaking up plays, he will allow us to effectively deal with the more physical clubs, something we have not been able to do in the recent past and have paid for it. Where more offensive strategy is required, he can play in the central midfield position as a box to box midfielder. Fellaini, in my opinion represents the most suitable signing for us in the defensive midfield position.

If we are really to improve this is season, we should get reinforcement in this position and Fellaini is available at £ 22 million which in my opinion is not too much in this inflated transfer market. I really hope that we trigger his release clause and get him as soon as possible. Sometime back, I heard that Arsenal was offering him lower wages compared to what he's getting at Everton. I cannot believe it. If it is true, it is very sad. Just pay him what he deserves and sign him up. And sure he won't be demanding more than £ 100,000 a week and this salary is very reasonable given the effect he would have on the team as a whole.

What are your opinions?