By Daniel Finton (Deputy Editor)
What up, pimps?
Welcome one and all to the eleventh instalment of the Finton’s Frolic factual opinion zone. Today I will be discussing a somewhat annoying belief set that Arsenal are currently seeing themselves fall victim to. Said credence is that any free acquirement is a good coup. I’m here to tell you today that, that is extremely far from the truth.
The template of this article was inspired by a horrifying, three-way set of rumours that have just recently come to light. Arsenal have been linked heavily with that of Chelsea’s Willian, Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser, and PSG’s Layvin Kurzawa. Notice anything enticing about the three aforementioned players apart from the fact that they would be free transfers coming in to the next window? Exactly. No.
Fraser had a breakout season last year, managing the second most assists in the premier league (14), only just behind that of Eden Hazard, although this season he has not been as successful, only managing 4 assists and 1 goal in 28 appearances. Kurzawa is a less athletic and far inferior footballer to any of our current left backs and has a reportedly terrible attitude. And Willian, who is the most talented out of the relatively crap bunch is 32-years-old and would surely demand a mega signing on fee as well as a king's ransom in regards to wages to seal a move to North London.
None of these players would be good additions at Arsenal for a number of reasons. In regards to Fraser and Kurzawa, it is worth noting that neither left back nor an attacking wide man should be the priority this window, especially given the financial restrictions. While I do accept the fact that Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang may not be with the club long-term, and a winger, which Fraser happens to be, may be what is best to replace either of them in order to add a more structured balance to the attacking front of the side, that is one for the future, not now. But also Aubameyang or Lacazette for Fraser is fucking despicable, if either are to leave and we replace them with a winger, I sincerely hope it is one better than the thick-necked Scotland international.
As for Kurzawa, in the left back slot we currently have Sead Kolasinac, Kieran Tierney and of course also the option of Bukayo Saka. There is no need whatsoever for a left back. We could use some sort of reinforcement in literally every other spot in the back line and of course the club are apparently keen on a left sided full-back. Lovely.
Willian would be the least foolish out of the three to bring in, although his age and the money that would surround the transfer are far from ideal. The 31-year-old Brazilian could easily slide into the hole (that’s what she said) right behind either Aubameyang or Lacazette and pose at least some goal threat. However, like I said, the financial implications around Willian coming to the club are too much in my opinion.
So basically what I’m getting at is that just because a player is free doesn’t mean that bringing them in would be a good idea. There are far more underlying factors that come with a player being free than most are aware of. Furthermore, on many occasions, there is a reason that the player is a free agent. Despite players running their contracts down to the end at Arsenal, that is not something particularly commonly done in football. Usually a club will sell off a player when their contract is winding down, especially if there are indicators that the employee has no intention of signing a new deal. Sometimes, however, they are unable to sell for a flurry of reasons.
Arsenal should not be the club that tries to “pull fast ones” and should stop prioritising free transfers. The fact is in many scenarios you get what you pay for and Arsenal will not find the next Aubameyang at a thrift shop. Quality players usually go for top dollar, unless you buy them before they become a big name. The gunners need to either get out their pen and chequebook, or go HAM looking for the next big thing. Bargain barn signings like Fraser, Kurzawa and Willian are not signings that will bring our Arsenal back.
Thanks for having a read, I do hope you enjoyed it. In a nutshell, not everything free is a good thing, just look at police brutality, no officer has ever had to pay for their wrongdoings and this is arguably the worst thing ever. As always, fuck people who say “All lives matter” and I hope those opposed to police brutality and in favour of racial equality have a good weekend. If you’re not in that group, stop reading my shit. No racists allowed in the Finton’s Frolic factual opinion fraternity. Anyways, toodloo…!
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