Arsenal dip into Bundesliga for highly rated defender?

Matthias Ginter (L)

According to rumours (in Mirror and by the ever reliable @GermanGunners), Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Freiburg’s up and coming centre back, Matthias Ginter. It was previously reported that Chelsea were the club closest to his capture, but the link has since gone cold, with Ginter remaining at the German outfit.

The link makes sense when you break it down. Ginter, a young German prospect, is seen as a perfect option as 4th choice centre back and temporary deputy for Thomas Vermaelen, who is recovering from a back injury for the better part of two months.

Our loan deal, sending Francis Coquelin the other way, is probably a big part of the deal, as it benefits Freiburg in the short-term, and Arsenal more so in the long-term. We get an exciting prospect for a knock-down fee, as Ginter is keen on joining a big club like Arsenal, and Coquelin gets more game time and experience under a different tactical set up.

I think Coquelin still has a future at the club, but he has to mend his attitude before Arsene Wenger can consider him a valid option. In games like the 2-1 loss to Chelsea and the FA cup win against Swansea, Coquelin proved how influential he can be in the middle of the park.

Possessing pace, power, and finesse, Coquelin must now work on his judgement and temperament. What better place than at Freiburg under Christian Streich, where he’s under much less pressure to perform than at Arsenal.

Ginter is a powerful and imposing player, standing at a respectable 6’2 and weighing in at 187 pounds. His aggression and versatility is what makes him stand out for Freiburg, as he is comfortable playing in the centre of defence and midfield, similar to PSG’s Thiago Silva.

Ginter can be seen as a cheaper yet equally talented alternative to Leverkusen’s Lars Bender. He even played as a CF against Wolfsburg back in March, which Freiburg lost 5-2.

While a striker he is not, his trademark German efficiency saw him play a rather tidy game. Obviously he’s not the most competent striker you’ll ever see, but Arsene loves players who are comfortable all over the pitch; look no further than the Ox and Aaron Ramsey!