Samba: A Repeat Of The Squillaci Scandal?

     So it has been reported today that Wenger has placed an £8 million offer on the table for Blackburn's Christopher Samba. The 6ft 4 centre back has shown strength and the application of his height to dominate in the air at Ewood Park. He has shown that he has the required attributes to excel in the Premier League and just needs to take that step to the top tier of English football and play for a top 4 club.

     The question is will Samba take the Gunners defence to the next level or will we have another Squillaci situation on our hands. Squillaci has preformed poorly and has been one of, if not the, worst players for Arsenal all season. He has allowed numerous goals into the back of the net ( I can remember two deflections that would not been goals had he not touched the ball) and his poor marking has lead to even more goals, most recently against Aston Villa. The problem with  Squillaci was that he was not cut out for the Premier League and his transfer was a gamble. In Spain he was strong on the ball and experienced however it turned out he was not cut out for the physicality of the English game. He lacks in the air, in his defensive skills and with his speed, as shown against the likes of Darren Bent. 

     So will Samba be any different? I mean, he is coming from a middle/bottom of the Premiership club and has not been proven in tournement's such as the Champions League. Well I believe Samba to be a completely different prospect. He has shown his defensive ability at Blackburn and also his courage and fearlessness of putting his body on the line. He is also fairly quick and best of all has presence in the air and so we would finally have could aerial coverage in the centre of defence. Samba also has experience in the English Premier League having played here since 2007 when he signed for Blackburn. 

     I personally think Samba is the man for next season. With Sakho ruled out, Cahill's hefty price tag and the unlikeness of Mertesacker, Samba is our best bet. He would provide cover while the likes of Koscienly and Djourou improve (because I have no doubt that both will be top class centre backs given time). This transfer now looks more likely than ever, so Arsenal fans, I would expect to see Samba at the emirates next season and preforming well.