Reports suggest that Arsenal are set to take Nigerian centre-back Godfrey Oboabona on trial, with a view to a potential summer move. The defender impressed at the African Cup of Nations, and will have a period of time to impress the Gunners staff. The player claims to have interest from all over Europe, and will decide his future in the summer.

Outrage

I’ll admit, it’s not as bad as it has been, but the usual disgruntlement has emerged from portions of the Arsenal fanbase. Some comments I’ve found include:

“United are negotiating for Garay, we’ve invited a go-getter in sandals for a trial. This is why we’ll never win anything”

“A Nigerian trialist? No ambition, as usual. We’d probably give Falcao a trial.”

I can’t quite share their ire. Of course, you expect Arsenal to attempt to sign players of a certain calibre. Many times this has not happened, and fans are getting tired of it. What’s more, the likes of Denilson, Nicklas Bendtner and Armand Traore have toughened Gooner stances toward young talents.

But this is somewhat different. Godrey (I’m not going to try and spell his surname right now) is an established international, and part of the defence that won AFCON. He’s respected by many as a calm and commanding defensive presence, and is 22 years old-hardly a kid.

It’s a similar situation to that of Stopila Sunzu, who went on trial before opting for Reading instead.

Only a trial

This is another thing people forget. He is being invited for a trial. If he impresses, he may be offered a contract. If not, he’ll be released and free to choose another move.

The same happened with Sunzu, and M’Baye Niang in the summer. Really, it’s a win-win. If the player isn’t good enough (something Arsenal know all about-there’s a reason some players aren’t trusted), then nothing happens, if they are, then Arsenal sign a player who’s already spent some time with the first team.

Godfrey is an Arsenal fan, quoted as saying that ‘Arsenal are the team I want to play for’. Childhood fans are often far more keen to play well for their side, and defence is an area where Arsenal are sometimes accused of lacking ‘desire’ in. With Thomas Vermaelen linked with a move away, a new centre-back is in order anyway.

I just can’t understand why people are opposed to trialists. All teams do it-Manchester City trialled Omar Abdularahman from the UEA Olympic side in the summer, and released him. It’s simply a way of analysing a potential purchase-normally one from left-field, to make sure it’s worth it.

If Project Youth taught Arsenal anything, it’s to be careful with unproven players.

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