WIll Arsenal Challenge Next Season?

It has been a while since I last wrote an article on B/R. Apologies to those who actually read the rubbish I write, but I am back now. And soon the Premiership will be back too. Well, in a couple of months at least.

I have been keeping an eagle eye on the transfer market wondering when Arsenal will buy that elusive defensive midfielder. A much needed defender, by the name of Vermaelen, has been bought. 

My worry is that if Koulo Toure leaves then Arsenal will be in the same position defensively as last year (injuries to Gallas = make shift defence). It is therefore, vital that Arsenal have a strong back up if there are injuries in the defence area this coming season.

Getting back to the elusive defensive midfielder, for a while, Yaya Toure was on the list of dozens linked to Arsenal. I was disappointed to hear that he decided to remain at Barcelona. But then again, who can blame him? He made a name for himself this season and should become a regular first team member, and of course get paid twice the money.

Then there was Xavi Alonso. Is he leaving or is he staying at Liverpool? If he does leave, I doubt he would join Arsenal, unless of course Arsenal can meet his financial requirements. The only other reason for him to join Arsenal would be his friendship with Fabregas. 

Although slim there is hope there still. 

The most recent midfielder rumoured to be scouted by Arsenal is Melo, the tough tackling Brazilian. To be honest, I had never heard of him until I heard about the rumours. But that is the Arsene Wenger way. He buys players that you would never have heard of and make them into stars, well, 95% of the times. 

Although he did say that he is happy at his current club I feel there is hope in him too, more so than Alonso. Why? 1. Because a bigger club is after him, 2. Because it is a Premiership club and 3. Because he will have a chance to play in the Champions league.

I had recently also heard about Chamakh, the Moroccan striker who plays for Bordeaux. I asked a French friend of mine what he thought of him. He believes that he makes all the right runs, looks like the perfect striker, but his finish is not great. He is tall and is good in the air.  Some others had mentioned the same thing. 

I took a look on YouTube to see what he is about. To me he looks like he has potential and if he does join Arsenal, then I am sure Wenger will train him the Arsenal way. With this signing, Adebayor would surely be looking for another club.

I personally do not think that Adebayor should be sold. I think that a partnership can be built around Chamakh and Adebayor or Chamakh and Van Persie. Given that Van Persie and Eduardo are injury prone, it is more of a reason why Wenger should keep hold of Adebayor.

In regards to Wenger, I still feel that he is the best man for Arsenal. I cannot see anyone replacing him. He mentioned recently that he does not need to overhaul his team (which I totally agree with) but buy a couple of experienced players.  I can see him buying two more, a striker and the elusive defensive midfielder.

Here's to the 2009-10 season!