Arsenal’s lastest bout of shambolic defending has left Arsene Wenger finally admitting defeat in his quest not to delve into his war chest during the January transfer window.
According to the Sun Adrian Mariappa has been identified by Wenger as the solution to his side’s shakey back line. Newcastle are already rumoured to have submitted a £1.5 million bid to Watford for the 25 year-old, however Watford are believed to be holding out for an offer in excess of £2 million.
With the performances of Johan Djourou becoming increasingly irratic Wenger has lost faith in the Swiss international, highlighted by his recent decision to withdraw the defender at half-time against Manchester United and feels more competition for places is required in the Arsenal defence.
The Arsenal manager had Mariappa watched during his sides 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Friday evening, and was suitably impressed with the reports of his scouts to consider meeting Watford’s asking price. Mariappa’s adaptability as a defender familiar with both centre-back and right-back roles will be appealing to a Manager lacking defensive cover across the back line.
Any move for Adrian Mariappa would be consitent with Wenger’s policy of not signing household names but rather nuturing the talent of younger players. But with defenders such as Carl Jenkinson and Miquel strugglingly to adapt to life in the Premiership this philosophy is starting to vex some inhabitants of the Emirates. As the Gunners approach seven years without a major trophy many want to see the type of signing that will end this run now rather than in the future.
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