Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams has given an insight into life working under Arsene Wenger after revealing that he has been scouting for his former club in Europe. The legendary centre-half, who was installed as manager at Portsmouth last season only to be sacked within months, made clear that the Frenchman was keen to add some defensive mettle to his beleaguered side.
Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen has been one name strongly linked with the Gunners, but Adams, who spent several years coaching in Holland with Feyenoord, doesn’t feel the Belgian is ready for life in the Premier League.
"I think Thomas is a very good player but I don’t think he’s ready for the Arsenal.
"I don’t think the punters at Arsenal would like another small one.
"I don’t know whether he’ll end up going for a bigger player. We’ll see how much money we’ve got first.
"I have been looking at the Dutch league, but to be honest with you it’s been decimated.
"It’s a poor league at the moment, there’s one or two players but they’re leaving too early as well."
Asked exactly what Arsene Wenger needs to improve in the defensive department at the Emirates, Adams continued:
“I think Arsenal need something in both boxes. Defensively, certainly, Arsene’s said it himself.
“But Sagna lost his brother and I think for six or seven months it really affected him and Clichy’s been injured so you’ve taken the full backs out.
“William Gallas has not been there either so that’s three big players who have not been in contention.
“It’s the balance that’s lacking. I like Alex Song, I think he’s improved but I think they need maybe even two holding players.”