Arsenal: Phil Jones Should Inspire Delight Not Despair

Arsenal are being linked to unwanted defender Phil Jones. While such rumours will inspire despair, the overriding feeling should be one of delight instead.

I can already feel the anger venting through my laptop as I write this. And that’s just from the title. I am a fan of Phil Jones. I wanted Arsenal to sign him when Manchester United initially bought him from Blackburn Rovers, I have always rated him throughout his time in Manchester, and even now, would still happily welcome him to the Emirates.

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I am acutely aware of the ridicule that Jones has suffered during his tumultuous, tempestuous and turbulent career which has seen some wonderful performances laced with some truly terrible performances. I mean, have you seen his head tackle on Giroud?

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However, he clearly has potential. He is athletically exceptional, quick and strong, is good on the ball and also displays excellent reading of the game. However, a combination of a few poor performances degrading his confidence leading to poor runs of form and severe injuries limiting the number of games he has been able to partake in.

The reason why I talk about Jones is that recent reports are positing the possibility that Arsenal are considering bringing him in. Jones would be a huge risk and one that many would rightly suggest that may not be worth taking. Nonetheless, the Gunners are not in a position where they cannot afford to turn down an opportunity of picking up a potentially top-class centre-half.

Phil Jones has the potential to be as good as Laurent Koscielny, and with a good run of fitness and form, could easily establish himself as the number one option alongside the French international. He is already superior to Gabriel Paulista and a declining Per Mertesacker, and although he would likely come at a rather hefty £20-25 million price with £100,000 a-week wages, he is most definitely a low risk, extremely high reward option.

Manchester United seem to be willing to offload him as well. He is unwanted, unused and an expensive sub and Arsenal could well take advantage of such a situation to secure his services.

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I doubt whether they will and expect few to agree with my evaluation of Jones’ game, but for me, I would be ecstatic if Wenger does complete a deal for Jones. Many would be distraught. I would be delighted.