Should be noted he has played almost exclusively as an attacking midfielder for Everton this season, and his explosion of form has come in that position. So anyone proclaiming this guy to be the answer to our defensive midfield question, needs to think again, he is hideously undisciplined in that role, hence his withdrawal from that role.

Basically a much better Diaby.

That'd be quite something, because he never really did for Everton.

He's had plenty of good performances in midfield before and he's a talented footballer, it wouldn't be that suprising at all. Thought he played very well at the Emirates a month or 2 ago, in a deeper role.

Personally think he's better defensively than people are giving him credit for. He's been awesome in an advanced role but he's awesome deep as well.

He's immense; let's sign him and worry about where to play him later.

He's decent, but nothing special in that position. No discipline, really - Amstel has it spot on. As a DM, we'd be paying £24m for a £10m player. It'd be foolish.

Not a single person would have taken you seriously if you'd advocated signing Fellaini for £24m as a DM, and he's barely played there since.

The only way I can see us signing this guy, is if we're finally fucking Diaby off, and Wenger is pushing Walcott through the middle, so see's this guy as the hold up man, a presence upfield, to win the drop downs and allow the midgets space & time to make runs.

We don't really play a defensive midfielder anyway, as long as he remembers where to stand he'll be okay. But it'll be a waste because he's much more of a talent going forward because most defenders can't cope with his awkwardness.

Ron Burgundy wrote:

Personally think he's better defensively than people are giving him credit for. He's been awesome in an advanced role but he's awesome deep as well.

He's immense; let's sign him and worry about where to play him later.

I feel that way too.

He'd work well alongside Ramsey, wilshere or arteta

Well we could just play him in both roles depending on the situation. Personally i think if the link is true Wenger would be much more likely to want him for a deeper role rather than behind the striker.

Goal.com saying we've activated his release clause.

Didn't know he had one.

Has the Times ever led a transfer story before?

As a midfielder, he reminds me of a shit Vieira.

Though maybe Wenger is looking to move to a more direct, power and pace dynamic again, he was heavy in his praise for Bayern's style of play & quite damning of Barca's in his recent interview. Javi Martinez role? It's possible, I suppose.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2013/06/06/4031002/arsenal-launch-stunning-22m-fellaini-bid

He's a player at the level of someone like Dempsey IMO. We need little bit more. There has never been any serious interest from a bigger club as far as I can tell. Fans like him because he gets fantasy football points. But wouldn't want him starting 30+ league games for us in midfield or at no.10. And therefore for that much money it's a definite no for me.

He's versatile and Wenger likes his midfielders to be adaptable.
Doesn't have to be restricted to being the mythical DM
Could replace Diaby.
Will Arsene truly lash out £24m though?

If Cazorla's playing wide, Fellaini would be our best 10, or our best striker. No way he's playing deep.

Tend to agree with Armor and Ron here.

In any our set up, he'd get multiple opportunities to be the most advanced of midfielders, in any case, during the course of the game. (Especially, if Wilshere is playing)

Also, I think, Wenger has given up hope on Diaby. I remember him talking about how Diaby had to earn a new deal, last season. And Diaby, though for no fault of his own, has clearly not earned it. I think, this could be his last year in the current contract and most probably, he'd run it and move back to France on a free transfer.