This isn’t a blog about fashion tips or hairstyles, though I do think Jack should do something about all those tattoos.
There’s been a lot of debate on the Twitter and Blogospheres, especially with the recent flood of surprise transfer news in Europe, about what players Arsenal should be targeting, in what positions, and how they should be set up.
Shortlist
Arsenal have circulated a shortlist of positions they’re targeting in the summer to agents around Europe. There are two conflicting versions of this list, but they are definitely targeting these positions:
Goalkeeper, Right-back, Centre-back, Striker.
There’s some debate as to whether a defensive midfielder is included, with some sources insisting there isn’t, and others going as far to say Arsenal are already negotiating with a French side for one (more on that later).
As far as names are concerned, Arsenal are interested in Victor Valdes from Barcelona to compete with one of two Poles next season. He’s certainly an interesting choice, being a weak link for Barcelona, and wouldn’t be my first (or second) pick to target.
Another player Arsenal have enquired for is Asmir Begovic, though the Stoke stopper will prove hard to dislodge (and likely demand a starting place). There seem to be goalkeepers everywhere, all with their own reasons why they won’t be coming to the Emirates.
It’s all quiet on the defensive front. There was some talk that Arsenal had agreed to sign Sebastian Corchia from Sochaux, but that’s gone quiet. Ashley Williams was targeted in January, but the less said about him the better. Many a player has looked good at a mid-table outfit only to flop higher up. One player to watch out for is the young centre-back Alexander Dragovic from Basel. The Swiss side have admitted interest from Arsenal, and a bid could be incoming. He’s in-demand though, so it would take some doing.
As far as strikers go, it could be Stevan Jovetic, if Arsenal force the issue, or it could be Pierre-Emerick Aumebayang. Both are excellent players and would add another dimension, but both are highly prized by their sides and coveted by the likes of Manchester City. Robert Lewandowski was targeted but after his 4-goal statement against Real Madrid we can safely say he’s gone beyond the level Arsenal can realistically target.
How do?
With the season coming to a close, there’s been some (rather) interesting debate about Arsenal’s approach next season. There was a blog on this very site about how Arsene Wenger should abandon his attempts to emulate Barcelona in favour of Bayern Munich’s powerful style. Much of the discussion seems to concur.
Wenger’s setup for the last few seasons has been very similar to the Germany model perfected by Bayern and Dortmund. Aside from a few calls to return to the ‘classic’ 4-4-2 of the Invincibles, the general consensus is to stick with 4-2-3-1. It’s a versatile formation, with the ability to move players all over the shop where needed.
What’s needed is an improvement of the spine of the team, and of quality all over the pitch. The defensive midfielder Arsenal are interested in is Maxime Gonalons of Lyon. Less a destructive Yaya Toure type and more a reader of the game. Think of a more physical Arteta. In fact, the closest player he could be compared to is Dortmund’s Gundogan.
With the assumption he joins, that leaves a box-to-box role left to be filled. Aaron Ramsey is showing signs of being an excellent ‘engine’, with the height and ability to drive around the pitch. Jack Wilshere could even use his burst of pace to fulfil this role, though his positional indiscipline will let him down unless he fixes it. Whether one of these two play this role or should be replaced is a big question among Gooners.
And of course there’s the striker debate. Is Olivier Giroud good enough? Really, it’s a moot point. He’s here to stay. But what is required is another option. A player who creates chances for themselves and others, and stretches defences. Either of the above targets would do that, but whether they join is another question. The likes of Cavani, Falcao and Lewandowski all appear to be on the move elsewhere, so it’s a level down for Arsenal.
What else would be nice is a couple of players above 6 feet tall. I’m not a huge advocate of physical play, but if nothing else it would make Arsenal a little scarier to the opposition. Per Mertesacker can’t eat every opposing striker by himself.
Not a huge amount of structure I know, but these are just my thoughts (and a few other’s) on what Arsenal should be looking for next season. It will take a while to catch up with Europe’s elite, but why not start now?
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