Arsenal are looking to bolster their squad’s strength and depth which has sagged under the strain of the season with numerous injuries. They signed Monreal during the winter transfer window, but still have a lot of work to do if they plan on ending their 8 year trophy-less losing streak. It is expected that Wenger will use a big part of their fresh sponsorship deal with Emirates Airways to put together a new and improved Arsenal ready to fight with Europe’s big clubs for silverware.
Arsenal’s transfer plans which generally target youngsters apparently could include signing one of the most valuable players who performed in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Stoppila Sunzu was Zambia’s stand-out man and even if his position is in the center of the defense where the Gunners have many options he looks like he would improve Arsenal given the fact that Squillaci and Djourou can’t seem to ever get in the team.
The 23 year old was targeted by Reading recently, but they stepped back from negotiations due to a contract issue, with the player’s representatives saying he is a free agent while his club believe he is contracted to them until 2015. Sunderland also seemed keen on him but have also cooled their interest. Reportedly, Sunzu’s club TP Mazembe feel the Zambian defender is worth no less than £4 million, which is not an exorbitant fee but the situation is clearly complicated.
Stoppila Sunzu is seen as a bit of a gamble as he plies his trade in a league where it is more difficult to watch him. Nonetheless his club are very successful and his performances during the Africa Cup of Nations helped him stand out from the crowd even when facing some of the best players who are already playing in some of Europe’s biggest teams.
Even if he is only 23 he still falls short of experience compared to the other players who are appearing in the Gunners’ red and white shirt. This should be an important factor for Arsenal. The Gunners have seemingly given up on players such as Santos and Frimpong both of whom have had relatively few chances in Wenger’s first team. Considering the fact that both of them are still in great shape and are considered decent footballers, but are not included in the first team, a potential Stoppila Sunzu transfer may not effect the first team much. There is still lots of time for Wenger to decide if he is going to make a move but if he stays true to his recent statements, and if the Emirates team is set on winning some trophies he must surely have other irons in the fire as well.