Robin van Persie, Marouane Chamakh: Does Arsenal Need Any New Signings Now?

There came the end of December 2009 and we could see all the newspapers and Web sites creating speculation about a new player here, a new player there coming into the Arsenal squad.

There are many, many rumours created from the end of last month about a new striker or a midfielder or a defender coming in. The Arsenal team, from the time the "Invincibles" started to depart from the squad (ha!), became more of a mature group of men rather than just youngsters.

This team groomed by the "Professor" has become world-class material, and that fact is evident by the number of big-name clubs tracking down Arsenal players.

There is no actual need for a striker or a midfielder for the team at this point in time. Yes Robin van Persie is the main target man for the Gunners and he is out, injured for almost the entire season, and so there comes a possible need for a striker. Still, the likes of Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo Da Silva are finally rising up to their ranks.

Certainly the attacking options for Arsenal are limited with the treatment room at the Emirates kept busy by the increasing number of casualties coming from the squad. But if a new striker arrives at the Emirates, where will the forwards like Bendtner and Eduardo or even Vela fit in when Robin van Persie once again comes along with the new arrival?

Also players like Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Fran Merida, etc. are growing within the squad and will, in a couple of years, become world-class.

The idea of getting a classy midfielder seems odd to me having so many players and with a limited number of positions up for grabs. Lately we all have seen the likes of Nasri and Rosicky pushed off to the bench where, on the other hand, players like Diaby and Song have come to establish themselves as key players for the club.

I reckon Arsene Wenger still being in the transfer market would not buy a striker, considering Bendtner's injury status. If he is to bring any players in the January window they would only be on loan, not permanent transfers. The reason behind it: Marouane Chamakh.

The Girondins Bordeaux forward would be out of a contract this summer and that advantage would be taken by Wenger to sign him on a free transfer. There are also speculations about Liverpool and some of the other Premier League clubs planning a swoop for the forward, but Arsenal would surely be the club he would sign a contract with. Precisely why Wenger did not sign him last summer.