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Arsenal: Hummels Snub Could Cost Premier League Title
Mats Hummels has stated that Arsenal were never interested in signing him prior to his move to Bayern Munich, and the snub could cost the Gunners the Premier League.
Center half is perhaps the biggest weakness of this Arsenal side. Entering a season when the Premier League is genuinely a possibility, having such a crucial position as the main weakness of the team is a huge concern.
It has since been released, however, that Arsenal were never interested in signing perhaps the best center half on the market this Summer. Speaking before Germany’s upcoming game with Northern Ireland, Mats Hummels stated:
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"“I don’t have to beat about the bush, and pretend Arsenal wanted me. There was no offer. The same applies for Spain, there was always contact but no option right now. That’s why I now have made the fundamental decision to continue my career in Germany.”"
These comments are disappointing from an Arsenal perspective. It has been a gripe on Arsene Wenger for many years that he has been unwilling, or even unable, to invest in solid defensive options.
In recent years, Wenger has recruited Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel Paulista and Sebastien Squillaci among others, all to varying degrees of success. While some of these players have progressed into stalwarts of a good Arsenal defense, others haave been utterly terrible and certainly support the critique that Wenger has a true blind spot at center half.
This notion is only strengthened with Hummels’ comments. There has been reported interest in a move to England from Hummels himself, with Arsenal being one of a few clubs have been linked with the former Borussia Dortmund defender. It therefore seems unusual that the Gunners would choose not to bid for Hummels before he secured a move to Bayern Munich.
If there was even a slither of hope of signing a player of Hummels’ quality at a position of great need, then you would hope that Wenger would jump at the chance. It looks though that there was no action from the Gunners, and now, as so often before, their transfer inactivity could cost this team.
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The Premier League title is well and truly within Arsenal’s grasp. They only need a few key acquisitions this Summer – with center back being one of these needs – to assemble a squad that can rival any in England. However, the best option this Summer at a position of great need was allowed to sign for another club, and it could well cost the Gunners the Premier League title.