Why Arsene Wenger Must Look Back to Summer 1997 For Inspiration

Wenger's first signing of the summer was the lightning quick Marc Overmars for just £5 million from Ajax Amsterdam.

This was somewhat of a gamble for Wenger as Overmars was fresh from a eight-month lay off due to a knee injury.

However, with his blistering pace, trickery and goals (15 in total), Overmars more than repaid Wenger's faith in his abilities, and had a superb first season.

Andrey Arshavin is the closest player to Overmars in the current crop in terms of style of play and impact.

Although he's not as quick, Arshavin is more technically gifted and has a tendency to control the game like Robert Pires.

Just like Overmars, Arshavin has low centre of gravity and can beat players at will. However, he relies more on his close control and superior technique to expose opponents' weaknesses.

I personally think that Arshavin is a better player than Overmars, but lets wait and see if he continues to make the same impact in future seasons. He's already a key member in this current Arsenal team.

In addition, the summer of 1997 saw Wenger raid his old club Monaco for two of his most trusted soldiers: Emmanuel Petit and Giles Grimandi.

Petit was a versatile left-footed defender, but Wenger had other another role for him. Wenger recognised that Petit had all the ingredients to become a world class defensive midfielder, and as a result, partnered him with Patrick Viera in midfield.

Petit's tackling ability, accurate passing and clever running gave the team another dimension in midfield.

Together, Petit and Viera formed a formidable partnership, which screened the back four by providing solidity in midfield and help to launch devastating counter-attacks.

It's fair to say that there is no player like Petit in the current Arsenal squad. Although they don't miss his passing ability that much (as the squad is full of technically gifted midfielders), they definately need a player with his dominance and tackling abilities.

Lets look at some options....

The 23 year-old from Sportin Lisbon is an excellent player, and can easily do the Petit role for Arsenal.

He has the same passing abilities as Petit and is relatively strong in the tackle.

However, his valuation of £20m could price him out of a move to north London.

VALUATION: 15-20 Million Pounds.

I am a big fan of the Malian midfield anchorman. He's big, strong and has a Vieira-like presence, which Arsenal have been missing for years.

Also, his ability to pass the ball is underrated, never gives the ball away and has an eye for goal, especially from set-pieces.

VALUATION: 15-20 Million Pounds.

This tough tackling midfielder from St Etienne is the best option for Le Boss. He is dubbed "the next Vieira" but he's actually more like Makelele.

He's not that great in possession,but has a great engine and will win tackles all day long.

Arsenal need a spoiler like him for sure.

VALUATION: 8 Million Pounds

The signing of Nicolas Anelka just before the end of 1996-97 season was a masterstroke by Wenger. His impact was almost immediate, he scored his first senior goal against Man Utd at Highbury.

With Anelka and later Henry, Arsenal have always had a super-quick forward to get in behind the back line of opponents.

However, recently, wenger opted for slower and more imposing strikers such as Adebayor and Bendtner.

The quick counter-attacking style Arsenal play needs a player like Anelka or Henry, especially against teams that put 10 men behind the ball.

Therefore, in my opinion, Arsenal need a striker with enough pace and trickery to get in behind and score goals.

Here are two options...

Yes, I'm serious guys. I've always been a big fan of this Dutchman, but I'm not surprised that he has struggled at Liverpool.

In my opinion, he made a big mistake to join a team that don't play his style of football, and he's paying for it.

Having said that, I think Wenger should still sign him as he has the potential to develop into a world class striker under Wenger's guidance.

VALUATION: £10 Million Pounds.

You guys are probably tired of this one, but I still say get him. He's been in good form for Bordeaux recently, and Wenger would be wise to snap him up.

The good thing with him is that he wants to come, the bad thing is that his club are just too greedy.

VALUATION: £7.5 Million Pounds.

You are looking at one of the most famous footballers in English history. His name is William "Fatty" Foulke and he played for Chelsea as a goalkeeper some 100 or so years ago.

Yes, before Cech there was a really fat man in goal for the Blues. And apparently he was good too.

Fatty was 6'4" and more than 20 stones in weight. he also played for Sheffield Utd and Bradford City. He has one England cap to his name.

Anyways, I think we could've done with good ol' Fatty on Saturday. I don't think Rooney would've dived for a pen with this guy charging out of his area.

VALUATION: £50 Pounds...so out of Wenger's reach then.