It seems every transfer window opens and we are saying the same old thing, "we need a holding midfielder". In seasons gone by it has been painfully obvious that our back four has been lacking that protection from a defensive midfielder. With this problem still yet to be addressed, it is unsurprising that once again we are linked with an array of combative midfielders. Today I'm going to discuss Etienne Capoue and decide whether he is the answer.
I must admit until January of this year I had heard very little of Capoue. His name first appeared among various twitter rumours, with many claiming that Wenger was very interested in doing a January deal for him. Following this discovery I took the classic action of frantically typing his name into Google and YouTube, hoping to learn some more about our supposed new acquisition. I even watched a few of his games for Toulouse. This turned out to be a dreadful idea......unfortunately I'd forgotten how dire Ligue 1 had become.
To cut a long story short what I found I liked, a lot.
Capoue is quite simply a phenomenal athlete. Standing at 6ft 2in he absolutely dominates the midfield with his pace and power. Watching him brought back memories of Gilberto Silva, a player I still feel we sold far too early. The Brazilian used to glide across the Highbury turf, mopping up attacks with effortless ease. Capoue is very much the same.
When he first came through at Toulouse the Frenchman lacked the finesse he now has, the fact that he picked up the most yellow cards in Ligue 1 in the 09/10 season emphasises this. However since then he has progressed and developed into a classy midfielder. He still has that physical side to his game, but he now has a composure on the ball which allows him to be the foundation of many attacks.
We have supposedly been keeping an eye on Capoue for years, something which comes as no surprise given Wenger's knowledge and love of French players. Capoue has previously stated he would be exceedingly interested in a move to us, making particular reference of his desire to play under Arsene - something which is very common amongst French players.
I would be highly surprised if we did not finally seal a move for him this summer, especially as he only has one year to run on his contract. There will of course be other clubs sniffing around his services, with the likes of Liverpool and PSG said to be interested. However I am of the belief that we would be Capoue's first choice. People seem to forget the immense pulling power Arsene Wenger has and I think Etienne Capoue would relish the opportunity to work under the Frenchman.
Thoughts and views welcome as always,
Come on the Gooners!
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