Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Five Players Wenger Must Sign in January
The Summer transfer window came to an abrupt close on September the first thus ensuring the host of rumours and player movements were ended, for now. Arsenal fans were left extremely disappointed after manager Arsene Wenger failed to fix the ongoing problems at the Gunners.
Having gone five years with out succeeding with silverware, fans and the footballing world alike expected Wenger to dig deep and pursue vigorously for the necessary talent. Many feel Arsenal trophy absence is due to their lack of presence in the keeping department.
Since Jens Lehman departure in 2008, deputies Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski have performed miserably at the front of the helm. Despite at times looking solid, the pair have a severe tendency to make vital errors consistently and struggle with lapses in concentration and decision making.
However Wenger was unable to cure his keeping conundrum by adding new talent. Albeit there were a ton of rumours, nothing materialized for the Gunners and Wenger is now forced to continue on with his shaky duo. Although the Frenchman does boast to promising talents in Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy, it is unlikely either will be utilized due to their lack of experience.
So January will emerge as Wenger next opportunity to restructure his roster and here are five players he must sign.
5. Andy Carroll
1 of 5
The injury bug has already hit Arsenal hard with talismanic strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner both absent through injury. It is more than likely this trend will be consistent throughout the campaign ensuring Arsenal will boast one quality, big man presence upfront in Marouane Chamakh.
Wenger could use some added depth in his front line which is why Andy Carroll emerges as a great option.
The Newcastle sharpshooter outstanding last season with a superb 19 goals in the Championship, which enabled the Magpies to secure promotion back into the Premier League. Newcastle looked to have settled back in nicely especially after an emphatic 6-0 upset over Aston Villa, in which Carroll scored a brilliant hat trick.
At 21, the Newcastle forward has a glistening future for in the Premier League and for England. Boasting a highly imposing presence at 6ft3, Carroll is blessed with impressive speed, envious control and a fierce shot.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be keen on the youngster and would consider attempting to lure the Englishman to the Emirates.
4.Hugo Rodallega
2 of 5
The Wigan genius has been outstanding in recent seasons and one can only imagine it can't be long before the Colombian is swept up by a giant club in Europe or England. Andrei Arshavin has looked somewhat nervy in the opening encounters and with the ongoing injury problems that Arsenal are set to face, adding the 25 year old would boost Wenger's attacking array greatly.
However Wigan wouldn't be keen to lose their talismanic figure and would undoubtedly ask for a hefty sum. But with Wenger keeping cost down during the Summer, the Gunners have money to spend.
3. Mamadou Sakho
3 of 5
The Paris Saint Gemain defender is touted as the next huge defensive prospect in Europe. At only 20 the Frenchman is a leader in the PSG side and has played over 70 games for the French giants. The Arsenal backline lost a host of ageing players that have half heartedly been replaced. Signign the young gun would ensure tremendous depth is implemented into the backline as well as power and leadership.
Sahko is strong, well built and solid in the air as well as boasting great control and vision. Wenger is said to be incredibly impressed with the starlett which furthers the point of the Arsenal managers must to sign Mamadou Sakho.
=1. Mark Scwarzer
4 of 5
The 37 year old was tipped to join the Emirates but Mark Hughes refusal ensured Schwarzer was unable to depart Fulham. The Australian has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for a number of seasons now as well for Australia.
Schwarzer is blessed with great leadership, experience and reflexes as well as a cool, calm composed head. Alongside those traits, the former Middlesbrough shot stopper is a born mentor and would be a great asset to the Gunners.
=1. Shay Given
5 of 5
The 34 year old has widely been regarded as one of the best keepers in England for some time now despite falling out of favour at City. Given is an experienced leader who boasts quick reflexes and safe hands. At 34 the Irishman would be an ideal, quality keeper who would provide a stable presence in goal and allow boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy develop further before taking over the first choice role.
Having played over 400 games in the Premier League, Given would be a strong mentor to other up and coming keepers as well as providing extra leadership in the young Arsenal roster.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
