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Arsenal: Jose Fonte The Perfect Short-Term Solution
Reports are suggesting that Arsenal may turn to Southampton defender Jose Fonte. Such an addition would be the perfect solution to their centre-half issues.
If you were to bump into a disgruntled Arsenal fan on your way home from work and asked them what was troubling them so much, it would take less than a sentence for them to vent their frustrations at Arsene Wenger and his lack of transfer activity, especially in regards to centre-halves.
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It is the topic of conversation among the supporters right now, and as time passes by increasingly quickly, with now just over two weeks to the transfer deadline, the chances of signing a defender are looking less and less likely.
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The mood around the Emirates is one of anger and despair at Wenger and his persistence in not signing a centre-half. While the Shkodran Mustafi deal stalls, reports are claiming that Arsenal may enter the race for Southampton and Portugal defender Jose Fonte, with Manchester United the other reported suitors.
Fonte may not be as flashy a name as some of the other European defenders who fans have been clamouring for this summer, but there may not be a better fit than the 32-year-old. Experienced, intelligent and composed, Fonte suits everything that Wenger looks for in a centre-half, displaying a blend of pace, strength and positional awareness throughout his career with the Saints.
He has been with the South Coast club since their days in League One, staying with the side all the way through their meteoric rise up the leagues and into the Premier League. Since being promoted to the top flight, he has been ever-present at the heart of a stern Southampton defence, playing with a host of different partners.
The greatest asset to his game, at least from a Gunners perspective, is his readiness to play immediately. There may not be another player available that is as ready as Fonte is. He has extensive experience of English football, could slide in alongside either Koscielny, Chambers or Holding and would add invaluable years and intelligence to the position.
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Fonte does not offer a long-term solution to Arsenal’s centre-half problems. However, with a rather saturated market due to Wenger’s dithering, the options are thin on the ground and Fonte is the perfect short-term solution.