DownSwinging.com

Brede Hangeland has been linked with Arsenal the entire summer. He is the dominant aerial presence that Arsenal lack, and everybody knows he would be a welcome addition to Arsenal’s diminuitive back line. What makes the rumors over the past two days any different? Well, finally Le Boss has weighed in. He has admitted interest in Hangeland, albeit conceding that no offer or enquiry has been made. Yesterday, Wenger spoke to the press: “We have had a look at him, yes. We have not contacted Fulham, not contacted Hangeland, not made our choice on him or anybody else.”

Now, many of you may look at this as a non-issue, and until Arsenal make a formal bid/enquiry for the player, it most certainly is. However, for a boss who never tips his hand, this is a big step. It was reported that a £5.5m bid for Sevilla defender Fazio was rejected. Fazio’s agent then came out and squashed any would-be rumors stating the 22-year-olds preference to stay in Spain with the club. This tells me that, believe it or not, Wenger is looking at strengthening the back four. So perhaps, after attempting to pull off a steal in Spain, Wenger’s next option is to submit a bid for an established Premier League defender, for a higher price…

Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson, along with the likes of Mark Schwarzer, have declared their intent to hold on to Hangeland. And why shouldn’t they? He is far and away the player most responsible for Fulham’s climb up the Premier League table last season. Fulham conceded a stingy 34 goals last season. Partly because of Schwarzer’s brilliant campaign, but also because of Hangeland’s defensive capabilities as an aerially dominant ball winner, and as a defensive organizer.  Despite being at the club for just on 18 months, Hangeland has already been named the club’s vice-captain.

In response to Wenger’s interest, Hodgson said, “When a bigger club is interested or connected with one of your players, of course it is a source of worry because Brede is a very important person for us.” This is a good sign. The word ‘worry’ indicates that were Arsenal to table a bid in the region of £8-11m, Fulham would find it difficult to refuse. 

One snag that many have mentioned is that Hangeland is cup-tied in Europe, playing in both Europa League qualifying legs against Lithuanian side, FK Vetra. However as per UEFA rules, Hangleland would only be ineligible for the group stage, not the entire competition. This is because he has not yet played in the Champions League. Therefore, Arsenal would only have to get through the play-off and group stage without Hangeland.

The draw is in about 30 minutes time, lets hope for the Romanians…