Arsene Wenger’s intent to sign a midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window is no more a secret. The wish list grows bigger with the likes of Barcelona’s Pedro on Wenger’s radar. The manager though has been handed an opportunity to sign a player he has admired for a long time. Paris Saint Germain’s Yohan Cabaye is having a disappointing season in the French capital and has expressed his desire to leave this summer. His favoured destination will be the Premier League, where he excelled for the baggies prior to his move to PSG. Reportedly, Wenger will offer £10 million for the midfielder.
Why Cabaye wants to leave?
The Frenchman moved to the Ligue 1 with the hope of playing Champions League football in his homeland. Unfortunately for Cabaye, his plans have not worked out quite like that. He has made only 26 appearances for PSG this season scoring just 2 goals and assisting another. Cabaye has failed to feature in Laurent Blanc’s plans in any of the major competitions. He has been demoted to playing second fiddle to Veratti and Thiago Motta. Despite Veratti’s injury, Cabaye has not broken into the first team.
Cabaye also hoped his move to PSG would help him earn a place in the French squad. The lack of game time though has not helped him impress Didier Deschamps. A move back to the Premier League and a season under Arsene Wenger will help him make his mark and possibly feature in the French Euro 2016 squad.
Why Arsenal should want to sign him?
- A well rounded player
There are many traits to Cabaye’s game which have been dormant during his time at PSG. Arsene Wenger could well bring them out and harness his full potential. Cabaye is a wholesome midfielder, he is very strong in delivering the ball during set pieces and he almost never misses the target when asked to finish a move. Cabaye’s knack for long shots is well known. He holds the ball well and changes play quickly with his accurate long balls which are very important during counter attacks as well. He is everything you could ask a midfielder to be. A gift Arsene Wenger would be giving to everybody in that Arsenal midfield and attack.
- The Defensive midfield problem
Arsenal have struggled to field a consistent defensive midfielder this season. The first part of the campaign featured Flamini who was more rash than effective. Flamini was succeeded by Francis Coquelin who has grown into the role but does not have the experience which Cabaye possesses. Arsene Wenger will often play the former Newcastle midfielder in deeper midfield roles to provide more cover for the back four and better channel the counter attack from the defence to the midfield. There is no better player for the job than Cabaye.
- The inconsistency of some players
The Gunners’ midfield is enviable but it might soon start to rust. With the exception of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, Wenger has failed to find consistent form in other midfielders. Aaron Ramsey has been brilliant the previous couple of weeks but the last time we saw him play like this was the early part of the 2013/14 season. Theo Walcott is still a doubtful starter after 9 years with the club while Jack Wilshere is a young boy waiting to learn the lessons of manhood. Mikel Arteta was meant to be the leader of that midfield but has been absent due to injury throughout this season.
It is the right time for Wenger to move for a world class midfielder who will without doubt cement his place in that Arsenal line up and be a reliable servant for the club in the years to come. The move will uplift Cabaye’s career giving him regular Champions League football and a good chance to earn a spot in the Euro2016 squad for France. At £10 million, Cabaye is a steal. Wenger should bring him back to the Premier League.