Attempting to second guess Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would be tantamount to taking on a world chess champ as a casual player of the game.
The team has been without a top midfield general arguably since Patrick Vieira left the club almost a decade ago. But the manager seemingly steadfastly refuses to bring one in for big bucks. Instead he has used players like Flamini, Wilshere, Song and Arteta in the holding midfield role.
Abou Diaby would be a great player for the position but he always seem to be injured, to the huge frustration of the player.
Alex Song left Arsenal a few years back and many thought he would be an excellent signing when he returned to England. He has proven just that. But not for Arsenal.
But, with ever increasing pressure on the boss to buy a defensive midfielder, will he finally relent and bring one in? Perhaps he is far cleverer than the fans in terms of what the team needs. But it seems very straightforward to most observers and fans alike that the English teams who are doing the best right now have a big strong character in the centre of the midfield.
You don’t have to look any further than the top two – Manchester City and Chelsea – to see how important Nemamja Matic and Yaya Toure are when the going gets tough.
Wenger seems like a somewhat stubborn genius. But he simply must buy a quality anchor man. There are loads available. And perhaps Morgan Schneiderlin is the best option.
Wenger loves a French recruit and Schneiderlin marries great technique with the sort of discipline and physical presence required to give Arsenal a much tougher edge. With this guy in the side we could enjoy just as much attacking play from Arsenal but they would be far less vulnerable on the counter and in defence.
We think that the regularly linked Schneiderlin would represent he perfect Christmas present for Arsenal if their brilliant (if a times obstinate) coach can make the deal happen.