If the defeat to Bayern Munich highlighted anything to Arsenal fans, it’s the need to bring in another midfielder.
Granted, Jack Wilshere had an impressive performance regardless of the defeat, while Santi Cazorla struggled to stamp his creative authority in the encounter, but Mikel Arteta showcased his inability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck when up against some of Football’s bigger teams.
The Gunners have been linked with a host of big name players in recent weeks to fill the void in the middle of the park, with Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue one of those supposedly close to making a move to the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
It’s no shock to hear that Arsenal have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Sebastian Rode in that case. The 22-year-old has played a pivotal role in in his sides rise up the Bundesliga to fourth.
Furthermore, his position – shielding the back four – is one that the club haven’t filled properly since the departure of Patrick Vieira and with Arteta continuing to struggle in the role, Rode could be exactly the player the Gunners need.
On top of that, he is likely to be cheaper than Capoue, something that would appeal to the board as they look to increase their revenue over the next 12 months. His young age will only see Arsenal view him as an important arrival and a player that could bring out the best in Cazorla and Wilshere.
Ben McAleer
Rode would be a brilliant player for Arsenal, but Heribert Bruchhagen (manager from Frankfurt) said many times that they won't sell Rode, even if it means to give him away for nothing at the end of 2014. On the other side, the only teams that are heavily linked with him are Germans giants Dortmund and Bayern.
Maybe Frankfurt would sell the player to a foreign team but I don't believe that.
If people think Rode is some kind of DM they haven't really seen him play. He's like a better Aaron Ramsey – he has an engine on him and runs the length of the pitch. While I think Rode is a good young player he reminds me of Kevin Grosskreutz who is far more experienced and entering him prime years. He's had less play time due to Klopp opting for Gundogan and Grosskreutz has already expressed an admiration for Arsenal in the past so why not go for the better, more experienced player instead of yet another young potential that hasn't won anything?
“shielding the back four – is one that the club haven't filled properly since the departure of Patrick Vieira”
Much as I loved PV4, I must disagree to that statement. Gilberto did that expertly, and played an important part in getting our team to the CL final. Flamini also had a purple patch before he ran off and faded into oblivion.