More people creeping on our BBs
(cross-posted from ontd_football)
According to caughtoffside.com Arsenal are looking to straighten their defence with the help of Schalke's (and hopefully soon die mannschaft's as well) dynamic duo/ BFFs/bromance: Manual Neuer and Benedikt Howedes.
Arsenal are plotting a double German raid as Arsene Wenger looks to beef up his back line by making a move for Schalke pair Manuel Neuer and Benedikt Höwedes. The Emirates boss had hoped to bring in more reinforcements last month but failed in a number of bids but is now reportedly ready to make plans should the need arise to bring in the duo in January or failing that next summer.
German international keeper Neuer has long been a Gunners target and his performances at the World Cup in the summer brought him a number of other admirers and even though it appeared the 24 year old was open to leaving his Bundesliga side, Schalke fought off all interest.
However a very poor start to the season may leave the talented young keeper tempted by a possible move to the Emirates where he would help bring stability to a defence that appears to have little confidence in current first choice Manuel Almunia.
Benedikt Howedes is an adaptable performer who at 22 became a regular in the Schalke side last term and can play equally adeptly at centre back and as a defensive midfielder. On the fringes of the senior national team set up he is apparently a player that Wenger has been monitoring for some time.
A move for the pair would set the north London back around £18m and Wenger has been promised extensive funds to invest in his Emirates squad.
Personally, I don't mind this as much as I should be, or as much as other out-of-the-Bundesliga transfers. These two could really benefit from playing with a better team, not because Schalke is loosing so much, but simply because they are not yet in that point of their career where they can be the best players in their squad. They are capable of it, but they still have so much room to grow and improve they should be with players who will force them to do better and step up their level. And I would rather see them in Arsenal than other rumoured teams (like Man United and Bayern), especially if they both move together.
ETA: since this is likely to come up in many comments, I wanted to address the "but they will never leave "Schalke" issue: we all know how much of a Schalke-boy Manu is, be has said in an interview before, or just as, the BuLi started that his 1st goal is to play in the CL again next year and so if Schalke won't make it he might consider a transfer. As for Benni, I really don't know as much. Was told he has a contract until 2014 and said he will not leave Schalke, but I can't confirm or deny that.
According to caughtoffside.com Arsenal are looking to straighten their defence with the help of Schalke's (and hopefully soon die mannschaft's as well) dynamic duo/ BFFs/bromance: Manual Neuer and Benedikt Howedes.
Arsenal are plotting a double German raid as Arsene Wenger looks to beef up his back line by making a move for Schalke pair Manuel Neuer and Benedikt Höwedes. The Emirates boss had hoped to bring in more reinforcements last month but failed in a number of bids but is now reportedly ready to make plans should the need arise to bring in the duo in January or failing that next summer.
German international keeper Neuer has long been a Gunners target and his performances at the World Cup in the summer brought him a number of other admirers and even though it appeared the 24 year old was open to leaving his Bundesliga side, Schalke fought off all interest.
However a very poor start to the season may leave the talented young keeper tempted by a possible move to the Emirates where he would help bring stability to a defence that appears to have little confidence in current first choice Manuel Almunia.
Benedikt Howedes is an adaptable performer who at 22 became a regular in the Schalke side last term and can play equally adeptly at centre back and as a defensive midfielder. On the fringes of the senior national team set up he is apparently a player that Wenger has been monitoring for some time.
A move for the pair would set the north London back around £18m and Wenger has been promised extensive funds to invest in his Emirates squad.
Personally, I don't mind this as much as I should be, or as much as other out-of-the-Bundesliga transfers. These two could really benefit from playing with a better team, not because Schalke is loosing so much, but simply because they are not yet in that point of their career where they can be the best players in their squad. They are capable of it, but they still have so much room to grow and improve they should be with players who will force them to do better and step up their level. And I would rather see them in Arsenal than other rumoured teams (like Man United and Bayern), especially if they both move together.
ETA: since this is likely to come up in many comments, I wanted to address the "but they will never leave "Schalke" issue: we all know how much of a Schalke-boy Manu is, be has said in an interview before, or just as, the BuLi started that his 1st goal is to play in the CL again next year and so if Schalke won't make it he might consider a transfer. As for Benni, I really don't know as much. Was told he has a contract until 2014 and said he will not leave Schalke, but I can't confirm or deny that.