Vermaelen signs on

It has been confirmed by the club today, Thomas Vermaelen is an Arsenal player. Although he can play at left back he will surely be our first choice left centre back next season, with this having some interesting implications for some other centre backs at the club. Importantly Vermaelen is a leader, he comes with experience as a club captain, something we have sorely missed at the back in recent seasons in my eyes.

We currently have Toure, Gallas, Djourou, Senderos, Silvestre and Song as players who can play at centre back. Given Vermaelen's signing it is very hard to see at least a couple of these players not leaving. Personally I'd definitely ship Silvestre out because he is useless and if we can't find a youth team player better then we might as well shut down out Academy. I also suspect that Gallas is on his way as he would definitely not want to be anything but a first choice player.

It looks a good first signing of the close season to me, Arsene is obviously chuffed and Mr Vermaelen has some positive first words for us too. Not only does this move strengthen our defense but it is a mark of our intent, hopefully it will convince the likes of RVP that we are serious about winning trophies next year. The centre of midfield is the next obvious area for strengthening, we need a physical beast of burden who can mix it up with the best of them, we most certainly do not need Xabi Alonso, not only will he injure Cesc in training but he will add about as much defensive solidity as Mikel Silvestre in a wheelchair.