Blackburn's Signing of Scott Dann Could See Christopher Samba Move On

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(Bleacher Report) Aside from Gary Cahill, Arsenal were also highly linked with the signature of Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba this summer.

The Gunners could have used him in recent weeks as their defensive unit has been disappearing one at a time from either suspension or injuries.

Thomas Vermaelan looked to finally be up for another full season at the Emirates when he went down for a three month or more injury that will require minor surgery and time to heal. It was a rag tag defensive unit for the Gunners since Vermaelen’s injury, and has seen Wenger’s squad meet tough opponents that took full advantage of it.

Blackburn Rovers defender and possibly January Gunners target Samba may be a more affordable option to a target like Gary Cahill. Everton defender Phil Jagielka also was on the top of Arsene Wenger’s charts but the price tag again was the issue for the Frenchman.

Arsenal was also interested in the signature of former Birmingham City turned Rover Scott Dann this summer. Dann’s arrival could make it easier to sign Samba in the January window as he now has cover if he is sold.

The 27 year old defender would be most expected to take his leave from Blackburn in the next season or two if he is going to make a switch. At his age he is about to hit the prime years of his career and he would much rather be in contention to win silverware in the near future than languish in relegation battle.

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Arsenal's Defense in Need of Strength and Experience from Chris Samba

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(Bleacher Report)Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has been on Arsenal's radar for most of the summer. Arsene Wenger knows that despite his apparent lack of defensive worry in front of the press, his squad is ripe with defensive falterings in the middle.

Thomas Vermaelen is top class but he has spent far to much time injured in the last seasons. Laurent Koscielny is decent but not world class, and Sébastien Squillaci in all honesty is not worthy of the Gunners kit.

Samba is estimated to cost the Gunners around £16 million, and now that Fabregas has moved on the London club have the funds available to make the transfer happen if Wenger and Blackburn both wish it to be so.

For the sake of Arsenal fans I hope that the deal could be done for them as Samba I believe would add great stability to the Gunners defense, and could be an additional goal threat to Vermaelen in the middle with 16 goals in his five years at Ewood Park.

Rarely injured, and premier league battle tested, the Congo international could be a great addition to the squad with his next five years the prime time of his career.

On top of it all the players Champions League ambitions are more likely to be scene through at Arsenal than Blackburn despite the past six years having been trophy less.

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