We’re nearing the time when the transfer window is actually open, and Arsenal have surprised almost everyone by making two fairly major signings already. But what now? Where do Arsenal need to strengthen, and what should their priorities be?
A Brief Reminder
As you’re all aware, Arsenal have signed two strikers, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. This has unsurprisingly led to endless speculation about the future of Robin Van Persie, and whether he is ‘leaving’ the club and these new strikers are his replacements.
Let’s point some things out: He can’t ‘leave’, he has a contract, he’s not talking to the media and there is utmost secrecy about his contract negotiations. Nothing any media outlet has to say is in any way true, and this talk of him agreeing personal terms with Man City (despite his father saying such a move was impossible) has as much factual basis as the contents of my toilet (mainly ceramic, I’m led to believe).
Tying down and moving out
With this said, Arsenal now need to turn their attention to tying down their key men to new contracts and shifting some of the less useful players. These include Robin Van Persie (essential, almost), Theo Walcott (apparently waiting on RVP, he should concentrate on being a consistent player first) and Alex Song (he’ll be a superb box-to-box next season. To fund their higher wages, Arsenal must turn loose the so-called deadwood.
Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Sebastian Squillaci (Praise be to the divines) are nearing the exit door as we speak. They won’t bring in much revenue, but they will free up space on the wage bill.
Park Chu-Young, Marouane Chamakh, Denilson and Johan Djourou are also linked with moves away. While in the best case scenario Arsenal would sell of of these players, I think we’ll get rid of two or three at best. Their wage demands are too high, the clubs interested can’t match the asking price, and in the case of Djourou they want to stay latched on to the nursing teat of Arsenal’s money for as long as possible.
Bringing in
Assuming Arsenal manage most of what they should be concentrating on now, I feel there are a few more players that should be brought in, and positions that need strengthening or backup.
Allan McGregor from Rangers has just left and would be good backup for Sir Chesney (I know that’s not the real spelling), not to mention free.
What would benefit the Gunners a lot is a versatile backup defender, one that could play left-back and centre back. This is unlikely now that Jan Vertonghen appears to be staying put, not to mention that fact he almost joined Spurs. However, it’s possible someone like Yanga-Mbiwa from Montpelier could join as a decent fourth-choice centre back.
In midfield, Arsenal must choose between buying a defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder. Yann M’Vila is all but done or completely off depending on who you believe and would still be the best option. If that’s not possible then Etienne Capoue of Toulouse is an option for defense, as is Ahmedov from Anzil (though that would be scary).
On the attacking front one option really stands out for me: Keisuke Honda. He’s very eager to play in a major European league; he’s a great playmaker and goalscorer and is one of the stronger Japanese players out there. Wenger will probably prefer to sign from England now however, so Clint Dempsey or Moussa Dembele would be most likely (and good signings).
Overall I think RVP is the priority. Losing him won’t be a disaster anymore, but keeping him would be great for morale and show Arsenal really mean business.
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