Lightning Rodwell
David Hytner in an article mentions that Arsene Wenger has been monitoring Jack Rodwell, the Everton midfield talent. He seems to suggest that if Cesc Fabregas does leave for Barca as rumoured then Rodwell can step into fill those shoes. Silly season has not even begun! Can Aaron Ramsey take another sickening dose of despondency?
Rodwell is a talent, no doubt but at this point he is just about breaking into Everton’s starting squad. Under David Moyes he has had 16 starts this season. Which means he has a steep learning curve ahead of him.
He would be fine as a complement to Fabregas and not as a direct replacement. If Fabregas leaves then Arsenal would have to go and buy someone who can match him. It would make more sense if Rodwell’s team mate Mikel Arteta was mentioned. He at least is a finished product.
Fabregas himself was brought to Arsenal as a precocious talent to support an already established group in Vieira, Edu, and Gilberto in the midfield. Injuries and transfers led to his elevated status within two years. However, our present midfield is barely settled. Bringing Rodwell compounds the unsettled look.
The article also mentions that there could be an exodus at center back with Silvestre, Sol Campbell, and Gallas all leaving this summer. Wenger is apparently still keen on bringing Brede Hangeland and Borussia Dortmund’s Neven Subotic. And what would transfer gossip be without a mention of Marouane Chamakh, whose locker is getting prepared for his arrival. Or so we’ve been told.
Disclaimer: I am extremely skeptical that Fabregas will leave for Barca. With Xavi and Iniesta still running the show, it is difficult to see him as anything but a substitute at Camp Nou.