Why Hugo Lloris Should Join Arsenal …And Not Tottenham

 Tottenham and Arsenal are used to battling it out and this summer’s transfer window appears no different.

According to the Sun, Spurs have been put on red alert after Lyon have come to terms Hugo Lloris departing this summer, whilst the Daily Star states it is Arsenal after the goalkeeper. According to both reports, Lloris could be available for a fee between £12-15 million pounds.

Liverpool were also originally linked with the keeper earlier in the week, yet it appears that the North London clubs are the forerunners for the France captain. Lloris is highly regarded in the Premier League for his impressive reflexes and goalkeeping record, although questions have been asked about his presence in the Lyon box.

Lloris has impressed since taking over the starting job from Gregory Coupet in 2008. Despite his side relinquishing their dominance over Ligue 1, Lyon have still maintained their success as shown by their French Cup victory this season. Yet the France captain has requested a move due to Lyon’s inability to qualify for Champions League football in the upcoming season. This factor could be damaging for Spurs, who themselves are playing Europa League football next year.

For me, providing he is given the starting job, Arsenal would be the best destination for the Frenchman. Arsene Wenger’s side were impressive last season yet they have to make significant strides to close the 19-point gap between themselves and the Manchester teams. Lloris would certainly be able to add to Szczesny’s 13 clean sheets from last year, helping this Gunner’s side to reduce the distance between themselves and the top 2.

This is no slight on Spurs, who themselves were robbed of a Champions League spot in my opinion. Having confirmed the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas today the rejuvenation period has begun at White Hart Lane. Bringing in a keeper is important for Spurs, yet with the Luka Modric situation as well as the apparent necessity for signing strikers, the former Chelsea man has a lot on his plate. Lloris is a tempting acquisition but the Portuguese manager has other issues to deal with before finding a keeper.

With Lloris at the back, Arsenal can really push further next season. The midfield has continued to develop, as seen through the performances of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott at this summer’s Euros. Furthermore, having already brought in Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski (to deal in part with the potential exit of van Persie) the Gunners are a couple of defensive acquisitions away from a very strong squad. In addition, Lloris would not only be a presence at the back but also throughout the dressing room – the Frenchman was his country’s skipper at Euro 2012 and would contend for the job at the Emirates should RVP leave.

In Lloris, Arsene Wenger might just have found the sturdy goalkeeper he’s been searching for since the days of David Seaman, with his captain experience only adding to his appeal. If he does end up at the Emirates, then Arsenal fans may not be waiting long to end their 7-year trophy wait.]