Arsenal's Djourou: Bring on defensive big Gunns
Published 23:00 09/06/11 By Neil McLeman
Johan Djourou has welcomed Arsenal’s bid to spend big money on new defenders – even if it costs him his place in the team!
After missing out on Phil Jones to Manchester United, Arsene Wenger is now pursuing Christopher Samba of Blackburn and Bolton's Gary Cahill.
Thomas Vermaelen is fit again after an injury-ravaged season so Djourou, Arsenal’s longest-serving player, could face a pre-season fight to get into the side.
But the selfless Swiss stopper insisted: “It is good Arsenal are looking to spend some money – it’s something people have been asking for before.
“We probably need defenders. I am not worried – I am ready to fight to be a better player and for a place in the team.
“To be the best, you have to have competition in every position.”
Djourou, speaking from Senegal, where he is working with his Kemi Malaika Foundation, poured cold water on suggestions Gunners boss Arsene Wenger needs to bring in home-grown players to toughen his side up.
“English players are tough, no question,” said the 24-year-old. “But I don’t think it’s fair to say that the other guys are not tough. We are tough.
“Yes, we need players. English or Dutch or Brazilian – we need players who are good enough to play for us.”
* For information on Djourou’s work with the African kids charity, go to www.kemimalaika.com
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