Transfer Window – Arsenal
Transfer Window Lowdown
One of the best and most exciting times of the year is the summer transfer window. It is the chance for your team to improve or reshape your squad, creating excitement or even in some cases a sense of nervousness. Either way, it is better than the January window, due to the fact that there is more action and more spending. Even though the spending has somewhat decreased in recent years, there are plenty of deals that have already been done and plenty more that shall be done. In these upcoming reports I shall discuss which premier league clubs are signing which players, and the positions I believe the club needs to strengthen in.
Arsenal:
To begin at the beginning of the alphabet, sitting pretty at the top of the premier league table year after year before the season starts, the Gunners, the Arsenal. Arsenal did pretty well last year to finish 4th given the fact that they lost their star man in Robin Van Persie, and an integral cog in their machine in Alex Song, who had become quite the fan favourite. Impressive first seasons from Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud were encouraging for Arsenal fans, as it signalled an end to Arsene’s lack of spending. However, it is fair to say that they looked somewhat a distance away from taking the Premier League title once more.
Arsenal need a goalkeeper, there is no doubt about that. Yes, Szcezsny is a promising goalkeeper at only 23 years of age, and has already put in some good performances for the Gunners but unfortunately his arrogant attitude means that he is not at the necessary level to be the number 1 for a Premier League winning team. The Brazilian national Keeper, Cesar looked to have been the ideal person to bring in for a couple of years before Szcezsny is mature enough to start, but it looks as if they have missed out on his signature as he looks set to join Napoli on a season long loan. Another option was Simon Mignolet, however he has joined Liverpool for 9 million pounds. In my opinion, Arsenal should stick to experience in the Premier League and look to snatch up one of Krul, Vorm or Begovic. Begovic for me is the ideal target as it looks as if Butland has been bought by Stoke in anticipation of Begovic being stolen by a bigger club after a very impressive season.
Right back is another position Arsenal must look to strengthen given that Sagna had a disappointing season to say the least and Jenkinson (who has great potential) isn’t quite ready yet. Options for that position could be someone like Micah Richards who is not getting ahead of Zabaleta in the City team any time soon. Other options could be Gregory Van der Wiel, who is being allowed to speak to Inter Milan and looks available for transfer.
The Gunners could probably do with one more Centre Back after Squillaci’s departure. Mertesacker and Koscielny built up a good partnership in the second half of the season, so that need not change, however one more centre back as well as Vermaelen is necessary. Someone with potential, who would not be expecting to start every game would be useful, rather than signing Ashley Williams for an absurd fee of 10 million pounds. Martinez who played for the Spain under 21’s would be a good fit for Arsenal.
Arsenal need a strong holding midfield player; a new Viera if possible. Fellaini is ideal in that he is the complete midfielder, maybe even the complete player in terms of versatility, strength, and skill. But it doesn’t look like this deal is going to materialise, so other options must be looked at. Capoue’s name is constantly floating about and he would be ideal, to support the likes of Wilshere and Cazorla who want the freedom to express themselves with the ball.
Finally an attacker is needed. Giroud and Walcott had a good season last season, but you got the sense that Arsenal fans were frustrated with Giroud’s wastefulness. Higuain is clearly the ideal player for Arsenal to buy; he is a tremendous finisher who has experience at the highest level and who wants to play first team, Champion’s League football. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, It seems by the day this deal looks more and more unlikely as it seems new Madrid boss Ancellotti sees him as a big player next season perhaps. Arsenal have optimistically bid for Suarez, however it appears that this is almost a ploy to make Madrid buy him quicker meaning Arsenal would be in a good position to sign Higuain.
If all goes well for Arsenal this transfer window, a line up like this would be closer to challenging for trophies.
Begovic, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Fellaini, WIlshere, Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski, Higuain.
Premier League X7 