Krystian Bielik Transfer Has Potential but Does Not Solve Arsenal's Problems

Arsenal’s first-team squad is badly in need of reinforcements. It’s clear to all onlookers that the Gunners would benefit from the addition of a sturdy centre-half and a combative midfielder.

Instead, they are reportedly on the brink of securing a deal for little-known Polish teenager Krystian Bielik.

The supporters' heads must be sore from repeatedly banging them against any available wall.

When Mathieu Debuchy dislocated his shoulder against Stoke, Arsenal’s need to sign experienced defensive players increased ever further. With Southampton looking strong, a top-four finish is far from guaranteed. Arsenal’s next fixture is a daunting trip to Manchester City, made even more ominous by Debuchy’s absence.

However, at that stage, there were still seven days until the trip to the Etihad—enough time for even Arsenal to tie up a deal for one of their primary targets.

Instead, the club have dispatched their chief transfer negotiator, Dick Law, to try to tie up a deal that is likely to have little bearing on the 2014/15 campaign.

According to David Hytner of The Guardian, a £2.4 million transfer is nearing completion. However, Arsenal supporters are entitled to ask if that’s really where the club’s attention and budget should be focused at this crucial crux of the season.

As pointed out by Arsenal blogger Arseblog, it’s reminiscent of the summer transfer window of 2011.

Arsenal knew they faced the prospect of losing both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, yet sent Law to Costa Rica to negotiate a deal for a teenage Joel Campbell.

At the time, Campbell’s lack of international caps meant he wasn’t even eligible to play in Britain. He spent the following three seasons out on loan before finally returning to play a supporting part with the Gunners this season.

As a European citizen, Bielik will be available for immediate selection. However, it is still likely to be some time before we see him play in Arsenal’s first team.

That’s not to say he’s not a significant prospect. His tall frame and good close control are reminiscent of a teenage Nemanja Matic. Bielik has already been in London to train under Arsene Wenger’s watchful eye, and he impressed coaching staff with his combination of athleticism and technique.

Arsenal’s midfield is often accused of lacking physical presence—in time, Bielik will surely assuage that deficiency.

"In time" is the crucial phrase there, and with games coming thick and fast, time is something Arsenal can’t really afford. Signings like this have to run parallel to the team's main transfer activity—they are the investments in youth and personal projects that Wenger still can’t resist.

Those have a value. Every so often, Wenger will still turn up an unpolished gem. He’s right to pursue talent like Bielik—even if he doesn’t make the grade at Arsenal, he may well be sold for a profit. Arsenal’s state of the art academy has to find a way to pay for itself.

However, he must not lose sight of his responsibility to the first team. Arsenal’s search for a centre-back has extended for more than a year now. Letting it drag out any longer would be tantamount to neglect.

Bielik might be one for the future, but Arsenal still urgently require ready-made reinforcements.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.