2013 has revealed a rather sudden policy change at Arsenal, demonstrated by this new ruthless approach by Wenger in clearing out the so called ”Dead Wood”.
The clear-out has largely been applauded by the vast majority of the fan base desperate to see the players who have not made the grade make way for new faces.
But at the same time the club has been criticised the lack of new faces with the sole senior signing so far being Yaya Sanogo.
Bon Voyage
Thus far we have seen a total of 22 permanent transfers (including the likes of Andrei Arshavin and Denilson,) and 5 loan spells (Miquel - Leicester City, Aneke - Crewe Alexandria, Campbell - Olympiacos, Coquelin - Freiburg and Djourou – Hamburger SV) you can see the full list here.
With more still to come if we can find someone capable of putting up with Bendtner and the anonymous Park Chu-Young.
The squad at present
|
GK |
LB |
RB |
CB |
CM |
AML |
AMC |
AMR |
CF |
|
Szczesny |
Gibbs |
Sagna |
Mertesacker |
Arteta |
Podolski |
Rosicky |
Walcott |
Giroud |
|
Fabianski |
Monreal |
Jenkinson |
Koscielny |
Ramsey |
Miyachi |
Cazorla |
Chamberlain |
Sanogo |
|
|
|
|
Vermaelen |
Diaby |
|
Wilshere |
|
|
As you can see here (in this very simplified squad sheet) our biggest priority is that we need another CB and a CM due to the unreliability of Diaby. But does our squad look light other than that after all those players going out? - to me no is the answer.
What do we need?
If Gustavo joins for the reported £17.2m (up from what was previously thought to be £14m) we have a second more defensive minded midfielder to balance out our midfield, so if Arteta and Ramsey were to be injured our defensive ability in midfield would not be compromised as it would be by the present alternative attack minded partnership Chamberlain and Wilshere.
As for the CB position we have no clear internal solutions with Miquel on loan, so I expect Wenger to dip into the market for a centre back.
Looking for what we want. rather than what we need?
In regards to the much talked about striker position we don’t lack the depth constantly cried about in the papers Giroud, Podolski, Walcott & Sanogo give us an amazing diversity of power, speed & muscle to tailor our attack to the opposition.
One thing for sure is we should see more of our bright young prospects and the inclusion of Gnarby, Eisfeld, Olsson upon occasion in the first team this season. Hopefully this summer of transition will lead to the progression we hope for, and finally closure to the tolerance of the passenger player.
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