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From pundits to players, managers to club legends, everybody’s said their piece about Chelsea’s decision to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United for a club record £37million fee.

Arsene Wenger and Manuel Pellegrini have both condemned the move, the former suggesting the January window should be abolished in its entirety and the latter arguing for a re-writing of the transfer rule-book.

The Arsenal and Manchester City bosses would like to think their criticisms are directed towards the make-up of the mid-season transfer window rather than the Mata case itself, but deep down, both are clearly infuriated by Jose Mourinho electing to strengthen a club that’s dominated the Premier League since its incarnation during their lowest low for the best part of three decades.

Why would the Chelsea gaffer willingly hand over one of the division’s most potent attacking midfielders to a Manchester United side on its knees and begging for mercy? Surely in the long-run, refusing to strengthen the Premier League champions would have not only benefited the Blues, but the rest of the top flight.

Financial Fair Play, Mata’s personal ambitions for the 2014 World Cup, and the fact Manchester United have taken on Chelsea twice already this season but are still yet to face City, Arsenal and Liverpool, undoubtedly factored into Mourinho’s decision to let the Spain international join one of the Blues’ closest divisional rivals.

But are we overlooking the psychological impact Mata’s move will have on both the United and Chelsea camps as the most subliminal yet decisive cause?

The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel touched on the issue slightly, when he lead with the headline last month ‘By selling Mata, Chelsea are saying United are a spent force’. Considering the Blues’ 3-1 triumph over the Red Devils, coming days before the Spaniard’s departure, was essentially the final nail in the coffin of United’s Premier League title defence, I’d certainly subscribe to that theory.

But there’s more to it than that. The modern transfer market requires an overseeing eye that can plan for three or four seasons in advance, and Mourinho did not hand over a two-time Chelsea Player of the Year simply to reinforce what we already know about United’s current campaign.

Let’s remember that Mata represents the first player to switch allegiances between both clubs since Juan Sebastian Veron almost a decade ago, moving the other way for £15million in 2004. That year holds great significance as the last transfer interaction between the two sides, just a season prior to Chelsea claiming club to back-to-back champions under Jose Mourinho, fuelled by the finances of Roman Abramovich.

Since then, dealings between Manchester United and Chelsea have been a no-go, as both sides continually battle year upon year for the English crown. In that time period, Manchester United have let players leave for Manchester City, and Arsenal have sold to pretty much everyone, but the Blues have always refused to sell to divisional rivals. Even Demba Ba’s loan move to the Gunners was blocked by the club’s management in the summer, despite Mourinho issuing the striker just two Premier League starts since.

This is what makes the Mata transfer saga so special, not only because of its rarity, but because of the timing.

This did not come in the summer when Manchester United were still an unknown quantity under David Moyes, despite Jose Mourinho being firmly in the knowledge even back then that the Spaniard would not feature heavily in his plans, with Oscar anointed as Chelsea’s new golden boy in attacking midfield.

Rather, the transfer materialised after Manchester United had gone an entire half-season without once making it into the Premier League’s top five, and after Juan Mata had spent six months on the Chelsea bench, with his appearances amounting to just 834 minutes worth of top flight football.

By selling Mata to United, Mourinho is saying; “Look at you, Manchester United, once so strong. A club that has won the Premier League title 13 times out of a possible 21 attempts. A club who walked away with the title last year in an almost mechanically destructive fashion. You now come, cap in hand, to a club that hasn’t won the title in three years, requesting the services of a player who I don’t even want in my starting XI to be your saviour”.

That is the psychological benefits of Chelsea’s decision to sell in a nutshell; Manchester United are at such a loss, they’ve paid a club record fee for a player who wasn’t even guaranteed a regular spot on the Blues bench. It’s not suggesting United are a spent force, and therefore there is no risk in selling them an attacking midfielder that claimed twelve goals and twelve assists in the Premier League last season. It’s illustrating the desperation of one club, compared to the confidence of another.

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Some would even argue Chelsea have sold Manchester United a player they don’t need, and their recent downfall has clouded their transfer judgement. While Wayne Rooney remains at the club, David Moyes will always struggle to fit Mata, the England international and Robin van Persie in the same starting line-up without compromising each individual’s ultimate utility.

Jose Mourinho has been labelled a master psychologist before, but this could be his greatest victory in the battle of the mind games yet. To many at Old Trafford, Juan Mata will be a poster boy of hope and optimism, a cause to look beyond the current campaign. But to the rest of the Premier League, he will be an eternal beacon of how the mighty have fallen, a reminder of Manchester United’s lowest low and David Moyes’ flustering desperation.

And as long as that subliminal narrative remains, Mourinho will always feel he and his Chelsea side have the psychological upper hand, for he was the man Manchester United were forced to turn to when they needed a savour. It’s a simple case of ‘remember who your daddy is’.

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Steve Sidwell believes that Fulham’s weekend win against Aston Villa will be enough to kick-start their quest to avoid relegation.

The Cottagers rose from the foot of the table and to within five points of safety on Saturday thanks to a late header from Hugo Rodallega that gave them a vital 2-1 victory.

Next up for the Cottagers are 17th placed Norwich, who will enter the tie having just sacked Chris Hughton.

To make matter worse for the Canaries, they will then face Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their last four games, which could see them dragged into the bottom three.

Sidwell – who has been an ever present for Fulham this term – believes that his side can push on from their weekend victory and complete what looked a few weeks ago to be an impossible comeback:

“There is [light at the end of the tunnel],” he told talkSPORT.

“We said before the Aston Villa game, if we can get a win there and get the ball rolling then we’ve got a great chance [of staying up].

“The fixtures that we’ve got to come, especially the home games for us against Norwich, Hull and Crystal Palace, mean we’ve got a chance to get points.”

Sidwell then went on to describe Felix Magath – their third manager of the season – as a “hard” boss:

“To describe him, he’s hard but fair,

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“When you come into work he wants everything done with 110% [effort], whether it’s stretching, passing the ball or going into a game and doing tactics.

“In that respect a few of the boys who have had him before over in Germany have said this is nothing compared to what he can do.”

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Arsenal’s strong links to Loic Remy this past weekend could, and probably are, an indicator of one thing: the club are fighting a losing battle to secure a big-name striker this summer.

It’s one or the other for Arsenal this summer. Either sign a world-class striker who can carry the team to silverware next season and beyond, or load the decks with players who can share the burden.

And that’s the way it’s looking, provided the Remy deal comes off. There isn’t any great problem with the French striker, who’s been involved in his national side’s two most recent friendlies ahead of the World Cup. He’s a good player who knows the Premier League. He’s the quick forward the club need, and based on what’s being reported, it’s a hugely tempting bargain to land an experienced full-international what for QPR are asking, said to be around the £8 million-mark.

But good doesn’t win you league titles. Olivier Giroud is good for what he is, but he isn’t the difference-maker in high-profile games, as has been greatly discussed throughout this past season. Remy is similar, a good striker but with little track record of guiding a team to silverware.

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So let’s assume that Remy is to be one of Arsene Wenger’s first signings of the season. Karim Benzema looks increasingly likely to stay on at Real Madrid, with the striker admitting to a happiness and comfort in the Spanish capital. Mario Mandzukic is another name, but talk has gone cold on that one. It may crop up again, but in the event the Croatian has a good tournament in Brazil, he’ll more than likely gather a larger number of suitors later in the summer.

Beyond those two there hasn’t been sustained links to good forwards, rather reports of fleeting interest.

Loading the decks is the only other viable option for Arsenal. Few fans will accept Remy as the only forward addition. He isn’t really better than Giroud, simply different in his style of play. But bringing in another natural striker will help to restore some faith in the manager from those who want something extravagant.

Alvaro Morata’s Real Madrid future is unclear. There have been reports of him going to Italy, as well as rumours about a move to Arsenal. What is clear is that he isn’t good enough to be Arsenal’s first-choice centre-forward next season, but in a group consisting of Giroud and Remy, he’d be able to offer a lot.

Morata’s potential contribution is only really based on one season in the Real first team and the U21 European Championship last summer with Spain. He’s 21. Unlike recent transfer targets like Julian Draxler, Morata hasn’t been playing top-flight football from his late teens. He’s still very raw and time will need to be afforded to him before we see the finished product.

But there is also a lot of upside to the young Spaniard. He was in and out of the Real team this season, initially acting as backup to Benzema but then losing that position to Jese Rodriguez. An injury to Jese allowed Morata to see more minutes towards the end of the season, and while there were disappointing periods, a lot of what he produced was positive. Think what he could have done with regular football under his belt.

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What Morata is at this time is a very good ‘reliever.’ He can start in place of first-choice forwards or contribute off the bench. Like Remy he’s quick, and like Giroud he is big enough to hold up the play. Despite Benfica’s Rodrigo being the preferred option in Spain’s U21 team, Morata is comfortably the better of the two.

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He’s a good finisher and has displayed intelligence in the opposition penalty area. He’s not a superstar at this time – and some have been led to believe after this season he won’t be a superstar forward, at least not for Real Madrid – but he’s a good, young player who is certainly good enough for a club of Arsenal’s size.

Real Madrid are said to have wanted a buy-back option in the event of a sale to Arsenal, but unless Morata’s career pans out to be something in the shape of Gareth Bale’s or someone of that ilk, Real’s gaze is unlikely to be drawn.

He’s not the player many fans will have at the top of their transfer wish lists. There’s little glamour in this signing; for all the talk of Morata over the past 12 months, he doesn’t hold the same reputation as youngsters like Mario Goetze and Julian Draxler. But what is certain is that Arsenal need options and depth, and if Morata is available and the ‘Loic Remy route’ is to be taken, 21-year-old would make a lot of sense to help lead Arsenal to further trophies next season.

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Regardless of Calum Chambers’ recent £16million arrival, Arsenal desperately need to add a centre-back to their squad before deadline day.Former captain Thomas Vermaelen left for Barcelona earlier this month, and although he hasn’t been integral to the first team over the last few seasons, the Belgium international leaves a major hole in the Gunners’ squad depth.The summer transfer window may have entered it’s final stages but there are still some options out there for Arsene Wenger to consider.And being the lovely bunch we are at Football Fancast, we’ve listed SIX centre-halves the north Londoners could realistically sign between now and September 1st.

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WINSTON REID

It’s becoming less and less likely that Winston Reid will extend his contract at West Ham, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, and speculation this morning suggests Arsenal are already planning to take advantage:

The 26 year-old may be no world-beater but he’s been incredibly consistent since the East Londoners returned to the Premier League in summer 2012, claiming the Hammer of the Year award the twelve months later. He was in prominent form at the start of last term too, leading him to be linked with an Emirates switch ahead of the January 2014 transfer window. Here’s a look at his stats from the campaign:

A move failed to materialise due to the New Zealand skipper being sidelined with an ankle injury, and by no great coincidence, West Ham’s league form tanked in his absence. The 6 foot 3 centre-back is more rugged than your average Arsenal defender but he’s a reliable performer, proven at Premier League level, who would fit into the hierarchy of the Emirates squad well. Here’s a look at the All Whites captain in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0

Toby Alderweireld

Toby Alderweireld was strongly linked with an Arsenal move last summer, having clearly outgrown his surroundings at Ajax after winning three consecutive Eredivisie titles. The Belgium international went on to join Atletico Madrid instead, but their sensational rise to the La Liga title and the 2014 Champions League final saw him make just ten league starts last season. But Alderweireld is certainly a talented defender – he produced solid displays when called upon by the Mattress Makers last season and also impressed for his country at the World Cup, as viewable below:

A product of Ajax’s total football academy, Alderweireld comes with an impressive all-round game. He’s technically sound and versatile too, regularly featuring at right-back for Belgium and in midfield during his Amsterdam Arena days. Here’s a look at him in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/RFL2-xH2cis?rel=0

The 6 foot 2 centre-back-come-full-back has already made known his intentions to leave Vincente Calderon via his father, and it’s believed the Spanish champions have set an asking price of £10million. Arsenal have unsurprisingly been linked again but West Ham and Spurs have also emerged as potential suitors:Â

FEDERICO FAZIO

Another La Liga option for the Gunners to consider is Sevilla star Federico Fazio, who has been linked with a wealth of Premier League sides over the last 12 months in no small part due to an incredibly enticing £8million release clause.

Despite not making Albiceleste’s World Cup squad, the Argentina international was a vital factor in Los Palanganos claiming the Europa League title last season, as viewable below:

The 27 year-old measures in at whopping 6 foot 5 but also offers quality in possession, with defensive midfield considered to be his secondary position. Thus, many have labelled him as a potential like-for-like understudy to Per Mertesacker.

Oh, and don’t mess with him, or he’ll punch you in the stomach:

But if the Gunners want to land Fazio’s signature they’ll have to act quickly; rumours over the last week suggest he’s on the verge of joining North London rivals Tottenham:

FABIAN SCHAR

With Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny undoubtedly Arsene Wenger’s first choice at the heart of defence, it would make sense for the Gunners gaffer to invest in a young centre-half who won’t immediately command a plethora of game-time.

Enter FC Basel prodigy Fabian Schar, who is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s most sought after youngsters. Statistically, the Switzerland international was the best defender in the Champions League last season, as detailed below:

And his World Cup performances weren’t too bad either, making eight interceptions during two outings at Brazil 2014.

The 22 year-old comes with an interesting knack for scoring goals. He takes penalties for Bebbi and once netted this astounding strike during his FC Wil days:

//www.youtube.com/embed/dH1mLudmGgg?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= dH1mLudmGgg

Schar epitomises the growing trend of front-footed centre-backs, complimenting his all-action defensive style with quality and composure on the ball. He’s even played in midfield on occasion for Basel, which should make him perfect for Arsenal’s progressive style.

He’s been linked with Arsenal already this summer but recent speculation suggests Tottenham are significantly closer to landing his signature:

BENEDIKT HOWEDES

One prime transfer opportunity that’s come Arsenal’s way in the last month is German World Cup winner Benedikt Howedes, who recently revealed his desire to play in a different league:

Despite being labelled his country’s weak link, the Schalke captain produced impressive form at Brazil 2014, as detailed below:

Here’s some of his highlights from the World Cup campaign:

//www.youtube.com/embed/DE4LYksdMEA?rel=0

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The 6 foot 2 defender isn’t the fastest but proved his ability to play at full-back to a high level during the tournament and that versatility would seriously strengthen Arsene Wenger’s options in defence.

The 26 year-old is known to be on Arsenal’s radar, but he’s got three years left on his Veltins Arena contract and after loaning out Kyriakos Papadopoulos to Bayer Leverkusen, it could take a sizeable offer to convince the Miners to sell.

KOSTAS MANOLAS

Arsene Wenger distanced himself from rumoured target Kostas Manolas last week but rumours linking the Greek international with an Emirates switch just won’t die:

In fact, they’ve been further amplified by the defender’s absence during Olympiakos’ season opener against Niki Volou on Saturday.

Arsenal’s alleged interest stems from an impressive World Cup campaign where the 23 year-old featured in every minute for his country and produced strong form throughout, as detailed below:

He was equally eye-catching in last term’s Champions League tournament, where he netted twice in seven appearances:

Manolas is strong, quick and composed on the ball, making him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s possession-based style. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 1 defender’s highlights from Brazil 2014:

//www.youtube.com/embed/zRU63idhLP8?rel=0

Allegedly available for just £6.5million, Manolas could prove to be a major coup. But there are reports that he’ll turn down at Gunners move due to a lack of assurances over first team football.

Although Radamel Falcao stole the big headlines on transfer deadline day, the man he replaced at Manchester United should not be forgotten. Arsenal pounced to take advantage of the situation by snapping up Danny Welbeck in a £16m deal, and his two goal haul for England last night has kicked off genuine worry among some Red Devils supporters and football experts that Louis van Gaal has let a good one get away.

So will United regret flogging Welbeck to one of their rivals despite the big fee? Here are FIVE reasons we at FFC Towers think they may…

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CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL THE FIVE REASONS

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Goals…

In his one start since making his deadline day move, Welbeck has managed two goals. Impressive, right? Yes. In a high pressure environment the versatile forward found the all important efforts to ensure that England’s EURO 2016 qualification process got off to a good start – albeit the first came off of his shin…

Welbeck was never been a prolific marksman for United – he averaged less than a goal every three games – but with a massive chunk of his game time having been served from a wide role, the stats can be misleading. Arsene Wenger looks set to use the 23-year-old as a centre-forward given Olivier Giroud’s injury woes, which could allow him the opportunities he missed out on under Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes.

Potential

At 23, Welbeck has the best years of his career ahead of him. But despite this he’s vastly experienced at club and international level, which would appear to give him much scope for improvement.

Daniel Sturridge found himself in a similar role to Chelsea at a similar age, and his move to Liverpool has paid dividends. Welbeck may also be moved into his favoured role, and with a little confidence his form could elevated and the goals could flood into his fine all-round game.

Home grown

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In an era where foreign imports are the trend, home grown stars are becoming ever important (just ask Manchester City). In selling Welbeck, United have lost a player born and raised in the city and schooled in the art of being a Manchester United player in their academy. Although the numbers in squads may not be a real worry given the amount of player the Red Devils have produced, the loss of a local lad – which has been slammed by former members of United’s hierarchy – could be a major blow in the coming years.

Experts think it’s a mistake

Even the footballing experts think United have dropped a clanger in letting Welbeck leave. The increasingly vocal Paul Scholes used his Independent column to voice his frustrations, while David Beckham has also spoken out to suggest that Arsenal have got themselves a gem of a player.

The latest figure to wade in is England hero Terry Butcher, who told talkSPORT this morning that he thinks United will “regret” their decision:

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“Man United will regret selling Danny Welbeck to Arsenal, he’s got blistering pace, is a good team player and finishes very well.

“The way Arsenal play, and the chances they’ll give him, will make Man United regret their decision.

“He’s enjoying his football at the moment. Arsene Wenger must be purring because it is a superb piece of business.”

Versatility

Perhaps an Achilles heel for Welbeck in some ways, his versatility is of use to those who manage him. Most confortable, but often not used, as a centre-forward, the attacker is also capable of playing from either flank thanks to his pace and can operate as a deeper lying forward.

United are currently adapting their system, but should LVG change his approach, the options Welbeck would have given him could be much needed. Arsenal are known for their fluid approach, which could see the England international pop up anywhere in the final third.

An Ivorian media company recently released a story stating Newcastle United’s Cheick Tiote was unhappy at the club and was looking for a transfer. Tiote has denied it to the British media since, but after he nearly left the Magpies during the summer, there may well be some truth behind it.

Since the start of the season, the 28-year-old midfielder has been one of the Tynesiders’ best players, with one assist and a pass success percentage of 82.2% earning him a whoscored.com rating of 7.07 over the course of four appearances.

Yet, Newcastle find themselves sitting in 18th in the Premier League after seven games, without a win to their name.

Maybe this is the reason why Tiote wants to leave? If it is, here are FIVE possible clubs I think the Ivorian could move to in January.

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Click on the man himself to reveal his options

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Arsenal

The Ivorian has said if he was to move, he would prefer a move to another English side. One English side that could be is Arsenal. Tiote would join the club which he scored one of his best and most memorable goals against back in February 2011 in a 4-4 draw at St James’ Park. It would be interesting to see how the 28 year old would fit into Arsenal’s dense midfield at the moment and if he was to get any playing time if he did make the move. Or maybe some Arsenal midfielders could depart from the club to make room for him.

Liverpool

Another English club that has been linked with Tiote is Liverpool. This does come as a bit of a surprise as the Ivorian isn’t the type of player that Liverpool manager Brendon Rodgers goes for, but then again another defensive midfielder is exactly what the Merseyside club needs. He would play in a similar position to that captain Steven Gerrard currently plays, as Tiote is a good passer. However, the likelihood is German Emre Can, who was brought to Liverpool this past summer, is Gerrard’s eventual replacement when the Englishmen calls it a day.

Manchester City

One of the most recent transfer links for Tiote has been a move to Manchester City. Rumours have been flying round that fellow Ivorian Yaya Toure wants a move away from the Citizens to play for French giants PSG. Were this to happen, City are rumoured to consider either Tiote or Frenchman Paul Pogba, who is currently at Juventus, as replacements. Tiote would be a cheaper option than Pogba, but City have the money to complete either transfer or both if necessary. City would be able to develop either one of these players to fill Yaya’s boots.

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Lokomotiv Moscow

The Russian side tried to purchase Tiote last summer but their bid was rejected. It is unclear why the offer was knocked back, but we think it could have been partly down to some of the awful stories about racism in the Russian Premier League. Most of the Russian teams have big money, so if Newcastle were offered in the region of £15m – £20m for the player, they would find it hard to turn the money down.

Roma

Roma have also been interested in acquiring the Ivorian’s services. The Italian side see Tiote as a replacement for their midfielder Kevin Strootman if the Dutchman moves to Manchester United to join up with former Oranje and current United manager, Louis van Gaal. The move of Strootman to United didn’t happen during the summer but it could still happen in January, therefore the move of Tiote to Roma is still on the cards as well.

Liverpool have had a rather disappointing campaign, currently sitting ninth on the table and some way off their runners up finish last season.

Former Reds star Luis Suarez was a big reason for their previous success, and his departure has made an impact on Brendan Rodgers’ tactics to a greater extent than he would have initially expected.

And although the Anfield club spent almost £100million on transfers, the new players haven’t adapted quite yet with summer signing Mario Balotelli getting a lot of stick for his performances.

But although the former AC Milan ace is already considered a flop, could Brendan Rodgers dip into the Italian transfer market once again this January?

Here are FIVE Serie A stars Liverpool should sign in January.

[ffc-gallery]CLICK HERE ON NIGEL DE JONG THE FULL LIST!

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Mattia Destro

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Mattia Destro has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer, and recently has also been courted by Arsenal.

However Liverpool have also entered the race, with the Italian striker not getting regular playing time with legendary Roman Francesco Totti ahead of him in the pecking order.

Destro is a clinical finisher as well as a player capable of holding the ball in the front line, perfect for Liverpool’s three-pronged attack with two wingers.

Paulo Dybala

//www.youtube.com/embed/CgiXtvbbHjg

Already compared to the likes of Sergio Aguero and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala is making waves in the Italian Serie A with seven goals so far this season.

The little Argentine is good with the ball at his feet  and composed, but what makes him special is the lethal finishing showcased this season at Palermo.

At only 21 years of age, Dybala can only improve but if he can maintain his form then he could be a lethal winger in Brendan Rodgers’ set-up.

Stephan Lichtsteiner

Glen Johnson has been put under a lot of pressure by Reds fans the past season, and the England international looks set to depart the club with his contract ending this summer.

Liverpool will be in the market for a new right-back, and Juventus’ Stephan Lichtsteiner will be an excellent replacement for Johnson.

The Swiss international was a major part of Juventus’ recent success playing at right-wingback, combining defensive discipline with the ability to push forward to help his more advanced team-mates.

Last season Lichtsteiner scored two goals, but provided an amazing eight assists from his position.

Mattia Perin

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Another Liverpool player under a considerable amount of pressure is goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who has looked shaky after making a few disastrous errors.

And although manager Brendan Rodgers has backed his underperforming shot-stopper, the Belgian is likely to be dropped if a safer pair of hands comes in in January.

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One of the names being mentioned is Genoa’s Mattia Perin, who at such a young age is already being considered the heir to the great Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italian will however cost the Reds around £12million, but if he can build on his already amazing potential Liverpool won’t mind his price tag.

Nigel de Jong

Liverpool are in dire need of a world-class defensive midfielder to control the game, with legendary captain Steven Gerrard ‘s influence slowly fading after each game.

A capable replacement is AC Milan’s Nigel de Jong, with the Dutchman performing brilliantly for AC Milan after missing a huge chunk of last season with a knee injury.

Although believed by many to be just an ‘enforcer’, the former Man City star is also composed on the ball and capable of picking out his team-mates from distance; bossing the midfielder and dictating play.

Liverpool would do well if they can sign the Netherlands international and with the Rossoneri strapped for cash, the Reds’ hierarchy could persuade De Jong to leave with an £8million bid.

The departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona this summer certainly left a strong defensive vacancy in Arsenal’s backline for the first half of this season.

When Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have been fit, Arsene Wenger has seldom strayed from keeping faith in his two loyal defenders who have formed a solid partnership in recent years.

They’re actually a very effective duo, a compliment to one another. Mertesacker is a talismanic leader who reads the game and adjusts effectively, while Koscielny employs his fluid mobility to provide what his partner doesn’t. Together, they’re a complete duo. Arsenal kept 18 clean sheets last season with those two working in tandem, an impressive and understated return.

However, Koscienly’s inability to keep fit has thrown a spanner in the works in recent times. Wenger controversially decided to only invest in one natural centre back over the summer to replace him, and that was Calum Chambers, another Southampton hotshot who shows great promise but remains as useful as his age (he’s 20) would suggest.

Mathieu Debuchy’s injuries and the subsequent need for Chambers to be played as a right back has led to the heavily criticised Nacho Monreal filling in centrally. Monreal individually isn’t actually that bad- the differences are more felt because that sense of partnership with Mertesacker is practically non-existent. The breaking of that partnership is the damaging component.

Partnerships take time to blossom. Which is where Paulista’s entry becomes interesting. A lot of the early media attention, especially from Wenger, has focussed around granting the young Brazilian a decent amount of time to settle in to English football and adapt. Giving him a chance will mean eventually breaking that Mertesacker-Koscielny partnership, and in many ways, an injury to either of them may be the best method of Wenger achieving this.

‘You always need time to adapt, especially in a defensive position because you need to know your partners,” Wenger explained. “At the moment he does not speak a word of English and that can cost you goals. If you mix going forwards with going backwards, it can cost you. It is a position where you need to know your partners and you need to communicate as well.’

‘We try to teach the important words. Offside for example! Look at the linesman!’

If his time at Villareal proved anything, it’s that it will take a while for there to be consistency. Speaking at the start of this season, he noted how ‘last season (as in the 2013/14 season at Villareal) was new for me, a year of adaptation more than anything else. This year will be better’. And better it was.

Villareal have the best defensive record in La Liga outside Real Madrid and Barcelona and until his departure Gabriel was the only outfield player to play every game, starting 18 of 19.

Once that integration process is completed though, Wenger will fully expect his new man to challenge for a first team spot.

‘He comes to be first choice,’ said Wenger. ‘We are in a job where competition exists and people of the moment play. Form is swinging and as well nobody is absolutely in top form for 365 days so you have to accept that’.

That will make for an interesting set of events. He certainly has the credentials to puncture what already exists.

‘We look at interceptions, defensive errors, winning tackles, set piece receptions. Gabriel has good stats’ added Wenger when referring to the scouting process that unearthed him.

‘Of course, it is difficult to watch all the games. But what I mean is that if the numbers confirm the eye, it gives you more. If a guy comes home and says “I’ve seen a good player”, you can statistically observe this player for five, six, seven games.

‘You send him again, he comes back and says he’s a good player, and the numbers confirm, you can say the risk is limited. Though there is always a risk.’

The risk is obvious, keeping his new man content and slowly easing one of his current duo out simultaneously. That may mean relegating Mertesacker to the bench soon, a similar fate to ex-captain Vermaelen.

Whatever happens, the questions that this dilemma asks of Wenger are typical day-to-day management tasks. Presumably, after-18 years in the job, that probably won’t be an issue for England’s longest serving manager.

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In a recent interview, Louis Van Gaal has admitted that his current managerial role at Manchester United will be his last.

Van Gaal joined United after leading his Netherlands side to third place in the World Cup, as well as roles at Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich. His first year in charge of United hasn’t exactly been plain sailing. But, will he come out on top with the Red Devils?

Louis Van Gaal asked for a grace period when he joined Manchester United. He said there would be a ‘difficult three months’ at the beginning of his tenure. He was right. The opening game of the season saw a loss to Swansea City – 2-1 to the visitors – which soon began the Moyes comparisons. Van Gaal signed the world class Angel di Maria, and lost to MK Dons on the same day. The boss spent big money to strengthen his squad, and got rid of some serious deadwood at the club. Yet he still could not completely get the balance right.

The introduction of the 3-5-2 system, which Van Gaal clearly tried so hard to make work, was a low point of the season. The Red Devils need four at the back, no question. After going back to the drawing board and tweaking his formation and tactics, the Dutchman finally hit his stride with his most recent formation; the 4-3-3.

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The 4-3-3 was implemented for a home game against Tottenham Hotspur, and it was Manchester United’s best performance of the season. The home side dominated the visitors, and deserved their 3-0 win. An unchanged side was fielded against United’s fiercest rivals Liverpool at Anfield, and United recorded another win, with Juan Mata popping up with a well earned brace. This has been a real turning point for Louis Van Gaal’s Old Trafford career, though it has just come later than expected.

Now, Manchester United are battling for a top four spot: something they could have only dreamt of twelve months ago. If they continue they way they are going, they will earn a Champions League spot. With a place in Europe’s most sought after club competition, signing for Manchester United will look that bit more attractive once again.

Louis Van Gaal brought in Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, and Angel di Maria (to name a few) without Champions League football, so they have even more chance of singing more big name players. If rumours that are circulating have any truth in them, United could be strengthening their defence with a World Cup winner in Mats Hummels this summer.

Can Louis Van Gaal end his career at the top? Certainly. He has already began rebuilding the team Moyes left behind, and has made a huge improvement to the side already. Honouring his contract will give him the ability to win the Premier League title; maybe not next term, but perhaps the season after.

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He’s not far off being a contender now. Getting back in the Champions League, and readjusting to the schedule, will benefit his side massively.

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From Dennis Bergkamp to Edwin van der Sar, Robin van Persie to Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Premier League has a venerable history of Dutch stars gracing English football’s top flight.

With the strength of the domestic game in the Netherlands less than that of Europe’s major top flights, the Eredivisie is regularly raided for its brightest stars.

There is no shortage of young talent in the Eredivisie this season, with a number of stars plying their trade for table-topping PSV Eindhoven.

With Phillip Cocu’s men eager to end a four-year Ajax title streak, a young Philips Stadion outfit have been widely praised for their expansive and attacking brand of football.

Despite the likes of Luuk de Jong and Adam Maher playing a significant role in PSV’s excellent form, the undoubted star of the show is Memphis Depay.

Following impressive cameos for the Netherlands at the summer’s World Cup, Depay has taken Dutch football by storm this season.

His devastating pace and trickery have been backed up with a lethal eye for goal, with the powerful winger topping the Eredivisie scoring charts with 16 strikes from midfield this term.

Although there is room for the 21-year-old to improve, especially in relation to his final ball and delivery, Depay has all the hallmarks of a future Premier League superstar.

With PSV surely set to struggle to hold onto their prize asset this summer, the list of suitors for the attacker’s signature is extensive.

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Two sides thought to be at the head of the queue for Depay’s hand are Manchester United and Tottenham, with the Premier League sides seemingly set to go head-to-head for him this summer.

The link to the Old Trafford side is natural given Depay’s connection to Louis van Gaal from the Dutch national set-up.

A switch to the Manchester-based club would inject energy, dynamism and penetration to a United attack that has been pedestrian at times this term.

With the versatility to play anywhere across the forward line, Depay could be an exciting addition for the Red Devils.

Spurs meanwhile have faced issues on the right-hand side of their 4-2-3-1 formation, with neither Andros Townsend nor Erik Lamela consistently delivering.

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Spurs lack width on the right, while a star player to take some of the pressure off key attacking duo Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen would surely be very welcome.

With Depay showing for club and country that he has the ability to score from midfield, the White Hart Lane outfit would surely be a much more menacing proposition with the Dutchman in their ranks.

Dutch scout Ed van Steijn, who is accredited with unearthing a young Cristiano Ronaldo in his Sporting Lisbon days, recently told the press in his homeland that Depay is a more promising talent than the Portuguese was at the same stage of his career.

With his superstar status already being confirmed in his homeland, Depay is ready for the next step in his career and looks set to be an exciting addition to English football regardless of which club he signs for.

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