Arsenal Target To Sign Contract

Christopher Samba has been heavily linked to Arsenal during this Januarys transfer window, as Arsene Wenger searched the footballing world for a possible centre back to replace the injured Thomas Vermaelen. He will however, still be searching if the Blackburn manager, Steve Kean is to be believed, as he said that he he is hopeful that Samba will sign a new contract with the club within the next 24 hours.

Samba was angry at the dismissal of Sam Allardyce after the Venky's sacked the manager after taking over Blackburn. But despite threatening to quit Ewood Park it seems that, along with Ryan Nelsen, his anger has been calmed and is more settled at the club. Kean said:

"I am hopeful that there will be a contract announcement about Samba in the next 24 hours. I have spoken to the owners and I am hopeful there will be some positive information with Ryan having already come to an arrangement over a new deal.

"There was massive confusion early on [after Kean replaced Allardyce] and now we have the team captain and the club captain signing for us. I have never felt I did not have the players with me but it is only now, after I have signed a new long-term contract as manager, that I can sit down with the players without them asking: 'How long are you going to be here?'

"Now I can start to talk to the senior players, including Ryan, Chris and Michel Salgado, about their long-term futures at Blackburn."

"The players we have are enjoying working together. At the training ground I have never seen a group as tight as they are. As for what we can achieve, whether we can get European football here, I want another three wins and then see how far we can go."

Blackburn have just moved up to seventh in the League table after beating West Brom 2 - 0. Probably a good reason to stay when your team is ascending the heights of the Premier League table.

Vermaelen is Coming Back for Arsenal - Samba is Still Available

Thomas Vermaelen is expected to be back from his achilles injury before the end of January after completing a full day of training without any problems. 

After suffering an injury to his achilles on international duty in August, the Belgian, who was impressively solid at the back in his first season at the Emirates has missed the majority of his sides games, provoking Arsene Wenger to contemplate dipping into his pockets, and bringing a new defender to Arsenal as a replacement for the 25 year-old Vermaelen.

Wenger had admitted however, that he will see how Vermaelen is towards the end of January, and then make a decision as to whether to use the transfer market to add to his defence. The manager was also adamant that no new signings will be made in January in any other position:

"In the offensive department, [a new signing] is completely excluded. In midfield, completely excluded,"

"With the goalkeepers, I stand as firm as ever.

"At the back, it just depends on Vermaelen. I am just waiting to know more about him, and then at the end of January we will have to make a decision."

Wenger has been linked with a move for Blackburn Rovers captain Christopher Samba after the no-nonsense powerhouse announced his displeasure towards the attitude of the new owners as well as the odd sacking of Sam Allardyce, and claimed he wants no part in the future of the club.

Different figures are being bounced around for his price, but the player would certainly be affordable, at around £8 - 10 million. He would add better solidity in the Arsenal back line, and contrast with the inconsistencies of Wenger's summer signings, Squillaci and Koscielny as well as adding to the squads strength in depth.

The Gunners defence was hardly troubled against Manchester City as Arsenal did all the attacking, and City did all of the defending, but to challenge for the title, Arsenal need a top class defence, a consistent defence and a defence that can cope with the best attacks. Wenger said:

"The first signs of how he feels will be very important. Should he not be able to come back quickly, central defence is an area in which we would be short, but rather than talk about transfers I would like to focus on the squad we have, and ensure everyone makes his contribution to the team's success."

Chris Samba is what Arsenal & Wenger are Looking For

Arsene Wenger's latest comments in relation to the January transfer window seem to strengthen the speculation that Chris Samba of Blackburn may be on his way to the Emirates.

Wenger said:

“As January approaches, I’m often asked about transfers. There is no definite situation either way, but first of all it depends if we find on the market what we think would really give us a plus.

“But I would advise you not to expect miracles in January – a high number of people have played in Europe so wouldn’t be able to help us in the Champions League, while clubs that have good players don’t necessarily want to sell them.

“So it’s highly unlikely that you just find a player you need in January. It’s not about spending money – it’s more about finding the right players to strengthen a squad that, in quality and numbers, is already very strong.”

Who has not played in Europe and is therefore not cup-tied to play against Barcelona? Who is a powerful, strong, athletic defender with vast experience as a natural leader - and a captain in the Premier League? Who has expressed his desire to leave his current club with the club seemingly resigned to letting him go? Yes, Congolese international Christopher Samba. Most of Wenger's issues with the January transfer market do not apply to this defender who would slot in nicely in Arsenal's back line and strengthen their squad depth.

Despite Wenger saying "It's not about spending money", Samba wouldn't cost the Arsenal manager a huge amount, with around £8 million the price being circulated.

There is that other possibility that Arsene Wenger doesn't feel like additions are needed, and after the 3 - 1 mauling of Champions Chelsea on Monday night, it is easy to see why. However, there are still critics who believe strengthening the sometimes suspect defence wouldn't do Arsenal any harm, especially when they will be up against an attacking force which has trampled the Arsenal defence with ease before, and is probably the best in the world. Barcelona.

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Arsenal Transfer Targets: Sakho, Samba, Cahill & Hazard?

It is the general consensus that Arsenal need to improve in defence. A number of players in this area have come under scrutiny throughout the past few seasons with the defensive issues the main topic of discussion for pundits in relation to Arsenal's wavering title credentials. It is no surprise therefore, that Arsenal are being linked to defenders to strengthen their back line, either in January or beyond.

Possible Arsenal Transfer Targets include:

Mamadou Sakho
20 year old 6 ft 2 in PSG defender who can play both in centre back and left back position. He is known for his leadership credentials, tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his "physical and tactical qualities".

Gary Cahill
25 year-old Bolton Wanderers centre back. He is known to be a strong, reliable defender who is also impressive going forward.

Chris Samba
26 year old 6ft 4 inch no nonsense powerhouse centre back is very important to Blackburn Rovers but has expressed his desire to leave following the dismissal of manager Sam Allardyce.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hardly made his January transfer policy very clear over the past few weeks, but his latest statement is

 "If we find the players who can give something more to the team, we will do it."

He is known to not particularly like buying players in January, as players are valued, in his opinion too highly as clubs are desperate to hold on to their stars for the remainder of the season, however, this latest quote suggests that there may be one or two players he is interested in bringing to the club, especially in the defensive role.

A player who isn't likely to join in January, but most probably in the summer is attacking midfielder and the "next big thing", Eden Hazard. The Belgian play maker currently plays for French club Lille, but is full of praise for Arsenal, as we can see from quotes like these:

"If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal.''

"Real Madrid and Arsenal are the clubs I dreamed of joining as a child."

and if two wasn't enough:

"Real and Arsenal are really great and play at a very high technical level"

*Hint hint.*
His attacking talents are quite brilliant for his young age of 19, and you can watch highlights of his short career so far in the video below.