Why Arsenal Losing to Valencia Is Actually a Blessing in Disguise

Last night was Arsenal's first preseason defeat, which isn't at all a bad thing.

I wasn't heartbroken or devastated, but rather happy to see that everyone, along with Arsene Wenger, has probably noticed that Arsenal still need some new recruits.

It's common sense really. You lost two players from your squad; you'll need at least two to fill the gap.

I feel that our first team is good, but we still don't have enough squad depth to fight on all fronts. Rotation is key, but when you're short on players, it's hard to see yourself go the distance.

Apart from Atletico Madrid, all the other teams Arsenal played against were no real challenge.

Last night proved that Arsenal need additions in defence, midfield, and attack.

Maybe Brede Hangeland could be our savior in defence, but Wenger's philosophy of buying players on the last day of the season would fail miserably in this case. That's mainly because Fulham don't want to sell; therefore Wenger should negotiate right away for Hangeland.

Hangeland being close to manager Roy Hodgson would prove to be a problem, but if Arsenal offer a decent amount of money, then hopefully we'll have a new Gunner in the squad.

In midfield we have the same problem we've had for almost two years now. Arsenal are in serious need of a defensive midfielder. So far Patrick Vieira is the one linked most with the red and white army, but some reports suggest that Wenger isn't interested anymore.

If Arsenal start the new season without a strong presence in the middle of the park, then there is a chance that last season's punishment will be repeated, and with Man City on the rise, fourth place might be lost.

However, Arsenal aren't a team that aims for fourth place. It's going the distance that is required this season, and without an extra striker, Arsenal might suffer, after Tomas Rosicky's latest injury along with Samir Nasri. Andrei Arshavin will probably fill in for them, but that would mean that Arsenal still need more firepower.

While sadly Arsenal lost the chance to sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Marouane Chamakh may be decent enough to fill the role, or perhaps with all this money currently available, maybe Wenger would shock us all and buy the striker that all Gooners have been dreaming of for ages.

It's a very long shot, but why not David Villa? I mean, he's been linked with Man United for a while, but he himself stated that he wants Arsenal the most. It's a crazy thought, but why not?

Michael Owen went to United for free, Zlatan Ibrahimovic went to Barcelona for a crazy fee, CR9 went to Madrid and became the most expensive signing in history—this has been the most surprising transfer season in the history of football. Maybe one final surprise for all the fans wouldn't be a bad idea.

Arsenal have been linked with Roma's Daniele De Rossi for £35 million; why not Villa for £35 to 40 million?

I still believe that the Professor knows what must be done, but if no changes are made, then another season without a trophy would not come as a surprise.