Arsenal Transfers: The 8 Deals That Can Bring Arsene Wenger Success in 2012
Although there is still over a month left of football to be played in the 2010/2011 Premier League season, Arsenal's hopes of achieving silverware success appear fragile as they chase EPL leaders Manchester United, who boast a seven-point lead over the Gunners.
Six weeks prior, however, Arsene Wenger's men were enjoying a completely different mind set. After enduring a horrific demise, Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over a frail Blackpool outfit.
The Gunners were humbled in the Carling Cup final by Birmingham City, eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup by Barcelona and Manchester United alongside enduring three-successive EPL draws with Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn, which ultimately diminished their chances at Premier League glory.
Arsenal's demise has exposed the frailty of Wenger's management ensuring his place at the Emirates becomes under slight concern, and much criticism has come to Wenger due to his lack of action in the transfer window over recent years.
The Frenchman has always been tentative to utilize funds to a large point, often purchasing cheap, unknown talent in order to save the North London giants serious money. Unlike Arsenal's rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City, Wenger has not bought his way to the top of the Premier League which is admirable and hugely impressive.
But as money and investments begin to play an immense role in World Football it has become clear Wenger must start using the strong funds, which after years of turmoil, he now boasts. Every season countless players are rumoured with moves to the Emirates but rarely does anything materialize.
Finally it may have to after fans and critics alike voice there demand for Wenger to impelement changes into his youthful squad. However, it is not only new presences that need to emerge at Arsenal, new leadership and a winning mentality is also a missing factor.
So as the summer transfer window approaches, all will expect Wenger to be working tirelessly to secure quality services alongside eroding old. This in case, here are eight deals that can bring Wenger success in 2012.
8. Sell Manuel Almunia
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The departure of Manuel Almunia looks inevitable in the coming summer. The Spaniard is set to finally be relieved from a traumatic time at the Emirates in which fans never completely accepted Almunia as their first choice keeper.
After taking on the reins when the newly returned Jens Lehman departed in 2008, the 33-year-old failed to consistently show the calibre and goalkeeping prowess needed to defend the Arsenal goal.
The former Celta Vigo shot stopper has had his efforts and goalkeeping ability shrouded and tainted by school boy errors, a general lack of decisiveness and of course inconsistency. Despite boasting the sufficient skills to be a top keeper, Almunia struggles to convey it especially with angered fans constantly demanding his departure.
Having been overtaken by younger keepers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, who unfortunately are both injured currently, Almunia's services appear no longer necessary for Wenger, which is certain to result in the Frenchman selling Almunia back to his native La Liga.
7. Loan Vito Mannone to the Premier League
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Unlike Manuel Almunia, Vito Mannone's departure will not materialize because of poor goalkeeping. No, the Italian shot stopper is one of the most promising young keepers in the Premier League but unfortunately two others are at Arsenal and ahead of him in Wenger's goalkeeping ranks.
Whilst Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny have impressed in the Arsenal shirt this season, Mannone has been cursed with successive injuries but has still managed to maintain his strong reputation with eight stellar displays for Championship side Hull City thanks to a short loan spell.
The 23-year-old, who rose to prominence last season with a superb performance against Fulham, appears to be neglected by Wenger despite having the raw ability to become one of World Football's strongest keepers.
However, Mannone is not to be content with forever playing third choice keeper at the Emirates, but rather than for the former Atlanta keeper to depart permanently, Wenger should look to enable his Italian Stallion to experience a full season loan spell with a Premier League side next campaign.
Many teams are aware of the Mannone's promise, and his presence would be invaluable for the lower sides of the EPL.
6. Sign an Experienced, Quality Keeper
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For almost four years, Wenger has endured season-defying goalkeeping conundrums but never once purchased a quality keeper to help eradicate the problem, despite his best intentions. Although this season Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny have eroded the theory Arsenal struggle in the goalkeeping department, a definite, experienced figure is still needed.
Throughout the summer, Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was intensely linked with a move to North London and at one point it appeared the deal was certain to transpire. Recently, highly renowned Italian and Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon was rumoured to be on Wenger's radar whilst Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted he will finally allow deputy keeper Shay Given, who Wenger had the opportunity to sign for a large period, to depart in the summer.
All three are the ideal presence needed in the young Arsenal squad to enforce experience and leadership. Boasting such a quality keeper allows Fabianski and Szczesny to fight immensely hard for their place forcing them to perform at their peak week in week out.
Wenger is believed to be trying to attract Buffon as the Italian would arrive as a free agent ensuring no transfer cost is attached for Arsenal. The 33-year-old's experience and ability alone would provide as a great mentor for Szczesny and Fabianski whilst instilling great security in the Arsenal goal.
Schwarzer and Given are also tremendous keepers, but the downside is fees are likely to be attached.
5. Sign a Renowned Premier League Midfielder
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The Arsenal midfield has performed impressively throughout the campaign and is arguably one of the strongest in world football. However, in recent months, injuries to key figures have exposed the distinct lack of depth that Wenger possess in his midfield.
The likes of captain Cesc Fabregas, defensive midfielder Alexandre Song and teenage sensation Jack Wilshere form a superb foundation as the midfield trio but their deputies have been less than impressive when called upon.
Denilson, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky, all experienced and quality midfielders, have often been lacklustre as the Gunners mounted their title challenges.
Furthermore a lack of demanding physical presence also leaves the Arsenal midfield vulnerable as the stronger and more physical conveying sides can often dominate defensively. Wenger needs to utilize some of England's more physical presences to aid his more elegant, skillful play makers.
There is no denying Alexandre Song is a terrific defensive presence in the Gunner's midfield, but the Cameroon international departs for the African Cup of Nations every two years whilst injuries to other midfielders also leaves a hole.
Two players that strike to mind as the ideal midfield enforces at Arsenal are West Ham's Scott Parker and Blackpool captain Charlie Adam. West Ham and Blackpool are both fighting for survival this season with many touting the two sides as the favourites to admit to relegation.
This provides Wenger with a perfect opportunity two lure one of the two captains to the Emirates. The pair personify the no nonsense yet incisive midfield presence as they combine physical skill and a tireless work ethic with an intelligent passing range and great leadership.
Both would come at a price for Wenger but nothing that is out of the Frenchman's price range.
4. Sign a Quality Defender
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During the summer, Wenger offloaded centre halves William Gallas, Philippe Senderos, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre, four experienced defenders who boasted over 700 games in the English Premier League. Granted all had endured a diminish in stature and performance, but it enabled Wenger with the opportunity to attract defensive talent of the highest calibre and hopefully an experienced Premier League figure.
However, Wenger opted to secure the services of little known Lorient FC defender Laurent Koscielny for £10 million and Seville and French international Sebastien Squillaci for £3.2 million. Two defenders who lack any experience in the EPL to play beside defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen and Swiss Johan Djourou, who had spent the entire 2009/2010 season injured bar the final Premier League game.
The Arsenal defence in truth has done magnificently considering key figure Vermaelen has been absent with an Achilles injury since August and Squillaci and Koscielny are in their first seasons. Koscielny and Djourou have been particularly impressive and Squillaci has contributed well at times.
But did Wenger really believe Arsenal could succeed in the Premier League or even the UEFA Champions League with that centre half roster?
The fact is the defensive line lacks a commanding presence who can lead and also organise, particularly from set pieces. Height and physical strength are both lacking from too which has been a major factor at times throughout the season.
Wenger needs to sign a strong, quality defender immediately which means the French tactician has to spend bigger than what is usually exhibited. The likes of Roger Johnson, Gary Cahill, Robert Huth or Per Mertesacker are all valid options well within Wenger's reach.
3. Create Stronger Ties with Overseas Clubs Via Loan Spells
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To ensure Wenger is able to gain a first hand look at the strongest talent in Europe first hand, the Frenchman needs to extend his range of relationship with overseas clubs. Arsenal have always boasted a fine array of young talent since Wenger's era began in 1996, and loan spells have been a prominent part in their development as it allows the teenagers to experience consistent first team action.
Predominantly, the youngsters are loaned to lower league clubs in England, but recently, it appears to be a fault for Wenger as too often the young talents fail to receive sufficient opportunities. Mark Randall at Rotherham, Sanchez Watts at Leeds United and Craig Eastmond with Milwall are all prime examples.
Occasionally youngsters are sent around Europe on loan spells, and it could be time for Wenger to increase the variety of clubs the teenagers depart too.
This not only benefits Arsenal's young talent but offers the Gunners a chance to strengthen their relationship with overseas clubs who can ultimately provide strong talent for the club. The Frenchman has the opportunity to please clubs in Spain, Italy and France who are all renowned for players who can thrive in the Premier League.
2. Sell "Rumoured" Players
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It is vital that Wenger eradicates any negative influences in the Arsenal squad which includes players constantly in debate about their future at the Emirates. Wenger is not a mass seller who constantly cuts and chops the outlook of his side, but this season has seen several players futures come under concern.
Andrei Arshavin, Nicklas Bendtner and Gael Clichy are among the players whose future under Wenger seems to be diminishing with endless links to big name clubs over Europe.
None of the trio have been consistent, strong performers for the Gunners this season and by selling the "rumoured" players, it will provide Wenger with an increased transfer spending and bigger opportunity to attract more quality talent.
1. Make Changes to the Coaching Staff
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It has been five seasons since a trophy has graced Arsenal's presence, and despite boasting such strong and talented squads, Wenger is still unable to rally his side to silverware success. One can continually question the players attitudes and mentality but it force one to ponder, does the problem lie deeper?
Does the problem start with the various coaching members of Wenger? This is not to say Wenger needs to be sacked by the Arsenal board, but it may be time for Wenger to implement new changes into his coaching regime.
The introduction of a renowned winners like former Arsenal great Thierry Henry or former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins or even the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira or Ray Parlour. Regardless, it appears something has to change.
