Arsenal are being linked to two of Blackburn’s brightest young stars in Phil Jones and Steven N’Zonzi as they prepare for next season in which Arsenal will hope to have more strength in depth. Arsenal and Blackburn’s style of play may be very different, but perhaps Wenger realises a few new additions accustomed to a different style may suit his side in a long, hard season against tougher opposition.
Both Jones and N’Zonzi are the type of players Wenger usually goes for, in that they are young and not too experienced. However, both Jones and N’Zonzi have been in the Premier League for two seasons now, and have had a very successful and impressive spell in the heart of Blackburn’s team.
N’Zonzi is a French international footballer and has drawn comparisons to former Arsenal captain, Patrick Vieira in his physical yet skilful playing style. Incidentally, the last time Arsenal won any silverware was when Patrick Vieira was in the side back in 2005 when Arsenal lifted the FA Cup. The French midfielder left for Juventus, and since then, Wenger has seen six years of no trophies. Perhaps Wenger has finally realised what he has been missing all of these years – a younger version of his former captain.
In a midfield full of small, skilful and creative players such as Wilshere, Fabregas, Ramsey, Nasri and Walcott, Steven N’Zonzi could add a new dimension of height and strength that Alex Song has been attempting to achieve. It would give Arsenal a new outlook on playing, and a more successful one, with that physical and commanding presence back in the midfield.
Phil Jones is a powerful central defender, and a player Arsenal would welcome to their often error prone, frail defence. It has been reported that Wenger’s chief scout was sent to watch Phil Jones in action against Bolton – a game in which N’Zonzi was also involved.
However, the stumbling block will once again be the transfer fee. Wenger is not a fan of paying a lot of money for players, but considering the two players long contracts, big money will have to be spent. Jones is on a contract which expired in the summer of 2016, whilst N’Zonzi has a contract which ends a year earlier. Blackburn’s manager, Steve Kean reiterated this:
“If they decide they want to move on then the clubs concerned will have to pay top dollar because they are under very, very long contracts and the fees we would be demanding would be massive.”
Jones has also apparently interested Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson will want to solve his goalkeeping position out before anything else. At the moment it is all speculation, but one thing is for sure; if Arsenal want these two youngsters, they will have to pay top money for them. Will Wenger be willing to is another matter.
Tell me what you think!
Submitted by DBSFootball
