Arsenal’s Exodus: But Will They Miss Them?

By: Rob | July 17th, 2008

Arsenal were the pleasant surprise of last season. Most people had them down for 4th, or maybe 5th if Spurs could get thier act together. Turned out, they led the league for a long time and The Kids Were Alright. Wenger is facing problems now, as his entire midfield seems to be wanting out. Matthieu Flamini jumped ship early by not signing a new contract and going off to AC Milan. Gilberto Silva, who at one stage was earmarked as Arsenal captain, is off to Greece, and Aliakander Hleb has just completed a move to Barcelona. The big question, is how much will they be missed.

I mean looking at it that way, thats a few first choice midfielders that Wenger has lost. However, statistically speaking, Hleb only manages an assist one every nine games. That isn’t good enough for an ambitious attacking midfielder. I like Hleb, he’s a bit crazy, but I like him. But I don’t know how much Arsenal will miss him.

Flamini wasn’t supposed to be big. He was back up to Gilberto Silva, untill the latter threw his dummy out the pram and went to pieces as he wasn’t made cap-i-tan. (the reliable and unemotional William Gallas was…) This time last year, there was talk of him going out on loan to Middlesbourgh. The partnership he formed with Cesc Fábregas though was immense.

Fábregas is the key to the Arsenal midfield, if they don’t loose him – which is doesn’t look like they will – they should be dandy. They’ve bought in Samier Nasri, who despite Euro 2008 is a well loved and regarded player. They’ve made a couple of other sneaky signings, Ramsey was a great steal from under Manchester United’s nose. And Theo Wallcott is more than ready to fill that wing berth that Hleb is vacating. So if Rosicky can stay fit for more than 5 minutes, they have a decent midfield there of Rosicky, Nasri, Cesc, Theo.

The other big one is Adebayour. Before last season he looked rubbish. The second half of last season he couldn’t hit a barn door in the league (though he suddenly came good in the Champions League) but the first half of last season, best player in the league, Ronaldo included. But if Barca are offering the crazy money in the press (I do think Milan weren’t interested they were just trying to get Ronaldinho’s price down) I think they should take it. No-one’s worth that after one good season.

So although alot is changing at Arsenal, they aren’t letting players go that can be replaced. They have a brilliant left-winger in their youth side apparently, its only a matter of time before he fills Rosicky’s injured boots. They also have young Carlos Vela, who might be ready to play centre-forward next season. And they have Eduardo coming back.

Its not looking that bad for them is it?