Date: 27th September 2014 at 9:00pm
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Arsenal great and former “Invincible,” Martin Keown seems to be dead set against the club’s alleged pursuit of Villa skipper Ron Vlaar. Vlaar, despite his impressive form this summer in Brazil, had a torrid time in the league last season and Keown was keen to point out this fact. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Keown had this to say:

“If I’m going to be picky, I don’t think he’s mobile enough. He played well at the World Cup for Holland as part of a back three but that was because he had quick players either side of him.”

“He’s a solid player but before somebody like Arsenal or United go in for him it’s important not to think of Vlaar the World Cup player but remember Vlaar Villa player last year.”

He continued

“He is a good defender and obviously Villa won’t want to lose him but it’s different when you’re buying a player. You want them to improve on what you already have and I’m not sure he would at United or Arsenal.”

Does Keown have a point? Yes and no. To be fair, Vlaar was shocking at times last season, so Keown’s assessment is valid in that regard. If Arsenal was in need of replacements for first choice players, I would be totally against this transfer as well. However, with the squad currently threadbare in the defensive department I wouldn’t be opposed to a swoop for the Dutchman. Not to mention, a player’s first season in the league is always a time of adaptation and transition and I would like to think a player with Vlaar’s quality will inevitably turn the corner at some point.

I rate Vlaar as a player and as a leader of men, and I am inclined to disagree with Keown for the most part. Vlaar is an intelligent, physical, no nonsense defender who could surely do a job for the mighty red and white. His form last year wasn’t great, and he is not the best option Arsenal can pursue, but Keown’s assertion that he wouldn’t improve on what we already have is not entirely correct. Again, Vlaar wouldn’t get into the first XI at Arsenal, but in case of injury or resting periods, I would confidently say that Vlaar is a better option than the likes of Hayden and Coquelin (though they are young and I rate them as well) who played in the midweek loss to Southampton.

While I don’t think there is much in this rumour to begin with, I wouldn’t be opposed to the transfer at all. I hear Keown’s message loud and clear, but I don’t think Vlaar is Arsenal’s top transfer priority in any stretch of the imagination so Keown as well as everyone else should not become too concerned with this matter.

 

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