Wenger goes for experience by bringing Squillaci to Arsenal
Published:Arsene Wenger believes that he has purchased a defender that is well suited to the English game after completing the capture of Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla.
A deal thought to be around £6m has been agreed between the two parties for the 30-year-old, who will offer Wenger another option at the heart of the defence as he goes in search of a first Premier League title since 2005.
Arsenal are valued at 5/1 to win the Premier League after starting brightly with a useful draw away at Liverpool and then hammering Blackpool 6-0 at the Emirates.
Aside from attempting to buy a new goalkeeper, Wenger had highlighted his desire to sign a centre-back, particularly after losing William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre over the summer.
These departures left only Premier League rookie Laurent Koscielny, who was signed from French club Lorient over the summer and the injury prone Johann Djourou as the first-team options to partner Thomas Vermaelen at the back.
Wenger said: “We needed a centre-back of quality and experience if possible, and at the right price – he was all of that.
“He is a real defender and is good in the one against one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well.”
However, Squillaci will not be ready to make his debut in Arsenal’s next Premier League game against Blackburn, where they are 4/7 to pick up victory at Ewood Park.
Blackburn are no pushovers on their own patch, beating Everton in their only league game at home so far this season, and are 5/1 to make it back-to-back triumphs.
Squillaci is able to play for Arsenal in the Champions League after not starring in the competition for Sevilla this season. Arsenal are 16/1 to win the Champions League.
