Arsenal: Please Say These Chancel Mbemba Rumours Are Rubbish

Arsenal are reportedly now turning to Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba in their quest for a centre-half. They must be rubbish. They can’t be true. Just no.

Every now and then, as is the nature of the whacky world of transfer rumours, some truly frightening possibilities arise. Signing Andy Carroll for £35 million, adding Yossi Benayoun on loan, Andre Santos. Such moves can only make one shudder, and Arsenal have been known to harbour such horrific transfer dealings.

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The aforementioned Santos and Benayoun are prime examples of when Arsene Wenger has inflicted fans with truly terrifyingly bad players, and now recent rumours are suggesting that Arsenal could be set to turn their cenyre-half attentions to Newcastle’s Chancel Mbemba. Yes, you did read that right.

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Now, there is a clear need for a centre-back and Mbemba is a centre-back, but dear Lord, could there possibly be a worse signing? While Manchester United are out signing Eric Bailly and Paul Pogba, Wenger chooses to sign a relatively unproven, relegated defender who indicates the rank lack of ambition that they club is currently portraying.

Just because there is a need, does not mean that every possible solution is worth pursuing. It must be said that Mbemba was one of Newcastle’s better players last season, but that is like saying that you are a more prolific goalscorer than Emile Heskey – it is not an achievement to write home about.

Many will point to his age, only 22, as a reason why Arsene Wenger sees it fit to make such a ridiculous bid. But, a long-term, developmental prospect is not what Arsenal require. With the addition of Rob Holding, alongside Calum Chambers and the newly adapted Krystian Bielik, there is already a plethora of options who could develop into top class defenders.

Arsenal need a world class defender. Someone who is far superior to the likes of Gabriel Paulista, someone who does not look convincing whatsoever, and an aging and rapidly declining Per Mertesacker. They do not need Mbemba.

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Wenger is a highly intelligent man, and while the ‘In Arsene We Trust’ shouts are quietening, surely he is smart enough to see that this is just a terrible move. I do not expect any sort of deal to be completed, though, with the way the summer has progressed so far, it would not come as a shock or surprise. Please say they’re not true!