Arsenal have been linked to a number of big-name players in recent days, with Rooney, Higuain, Fabregas and Fellaini all rumoured to be on their way to the Emirates.
This has led to heated debate on which player is needed most urgently. The biggest split lies between the midfielders: Fabregas or Fellaini?
Power
Some feel physical presence and power is needed in the form of the Belgian, with Shaka Hislop saying Fellaini could become ‘the leader Arsenal need’. That’s a bit of an uninformed statement-Arsenal didn’t lack leadership in the last few months, and height and ‘nastiness’ doesn’t equate to leadership qualities.
Other feel Fabregas, with the prodigal nature of his rumoured return and his creative talents, should be the key target. Others feel he’s a luxury, getting in the way of more important areas that need reinforcement.
Arsenal are really, in need of both. A physical presence in midfield would be useful, but not at the expense of technical ability and discipline. Much the same, added creativity is necessary, but adding another attacking player may unbalance the side and lead to defensive issues yet again. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Creativity vs Lethality
When you move further up the pitch you’re met with a similar dilemma. Arsenal have been linked with two kinds of forward- the deep-lying Rooney and the lethal finisher Higuain.
Both have their individual merits and would add a lot to Arsenal’s attacking play. However, the ability to create chances means little when you struggle to create them, as Arsenal have at times this season.
Much the same, a Rooney or a Jovetic would improve Arsenal’s creativity tenfold, but can we rely on them to finish the chances?
In Rooney’s case likely yes, but he’s the least attainable of the targets. Higuain would be just as good an addition, but you’d think Arsenal need to add another creative player on top of him to get the best out of him. A certain Spaniard, perhaps...
My view? Arsenal struggled to score goals at crucial times last season. A top-level striker can do that as part of their job. Hence, one of Rooney or Higuain would do that job perfectly.
Then of course, Arsenal can sign everyone. Literally everyone.
Draws and defeats of last season would become victories, and Arsenal would find themselves a great deal higher up the table by virtue of a reliable goalscorer. Then we can look elsewhere.
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