The departure of Mathieu Flamini left a hole in the Arsenal midfield; that gap became bigger yesterday as Panathinaikos agreed to buy Gilberto Silva from The Gunners. It means a shortage of experience within the defensive department at The Emirates. Amongst Arsene Wenger’s squad, he has a number of youthful players who could fill this role - Abou Diaby, Denilson, Johan Djourou and Alex Song - but none have sufficient Premier League experience to suggest that they are ready to step into the position, despite their obvious quality.

The Brazilian’s departure has led to speculation that Xabi Alonso may be on his way to The Emirates, a move that would allow Gareth Barry the chance to move to Anfield. Despite weekend rumours of Arsenal interest in the Aston Villa player, there has been little to suggest that this was serious interest on the part of Arsene Wenger.

Alonso’s agent stoked the fires of this rumour when he spoke to Publico, a Spanish newspaper, and suggest that he was aware of Arsenal’s interest in his client. Were Alonso to join The Gunners, his fee would be in the region of £14m. However, doubts are cast upon this move when considering the style of play the Spaniard would bring to the Arsenal squad. Alonso is a more thoughtful passer of the ball and is not in the same mould as Mathieu Flamini in that he is not an energetic or busy player. However, cast against that would be the wealth of experience that he has and a judicious choice of passing that he possesses.

Either player would sit comfortably in the Arsenal midfield yet the sensible money is on Wenger promoting from within. Diaby has played plenty of games on the left for Arsenal, covering the absence of Tomas Rosicky and Wenger is believed to have great faith in his ability. Song meanwhile has been introduced at the back although some sterling performances in the 2008 African Cup of Nations suggest he has a future in midfield. Djourou and Denilson would be considered outsiders for the role; the Swiss international played for Birmingham City on loan for six months last season and would benefit from such a move again. Denilson is more of a passer and creative than defensive and perhaps an understudy to Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger has a problem area but no-one should discount his ability to have already found a solution from within.

Tags: Arsenal, Football, Panathinaikos, premier league, Soccer, Transfer Gossip

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