Arsenal Transfers: Where Do They Require Strengthening and the Players Needed
Arsenal’s catastrophic late season collapse has left them on the brink of finishing fourth, and now, a season that promised so much looks set to finish in huge disappointment, as the Gunners are going down in a whimper.
A season that once promised at least one trophy is now just another disappointing trophy-less season that stretches Arsenal’s barren run to six seasons now. Over the course of the last few weeks, it has become evident that this Arsenal side needs some serious strengthening in the summer with almost a signing possible in every position.
Arsene Wenger is normally a person who is not quick to accept his team’s misgivings, instead choosing to defend the team and believe that the team is better than it actually is. The same can be applied to this season. It was obvious that the Gunners needed another defender, but Wenger persisted with players like Squillaci, and he has paid a costly price when injuries have struck Arsenal.
But in recent weeks it has been obvious that Wenger has realized his team is actually not so good, and he has been quite open about. He has spoke about the need to strengthen the squad and has shown some willingness to spend money on players.
He even spoke about strengthening the squad in all positions if necessary, which is something he hardly ever says. Normally prior to the transfer window, he always states the need to sign just a player or two, but this time, he has showed the desire to strengthen the squad to an extent where they can actually go out there and win trophies and not merely compete for them.
This season, while the Gunners definitely did come mighty close to ending their hunt for a trophy, there were still some gaps in the squad. But Arsenal are only a few signings away from recapturing the glory of the past, and with Wenger looking to strengthen the squad, Arsenal fans can expect some exciting activity during the summer transfer window.
In this article, I will be analyzing the current situation of every position and looking into the necessity of signing a player in that particular position if necessary.
Goalkeepers
1 of 10
Ever since the departure of Jens Lehmann, Arsenal have lacked a good goalkeeper.
This is one position where the Gunners surprisingly have performed well this season. The Gunners have used a total of four goalkeepers this season, including Jens Lehmann, who came out of retirement to provide back-up when Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski got injured.
At the start of the season, it was shocking to see Wenger persist with Fabianski and Manuel Almunia as his first choice goalkeepers, considering their pathetic showing last season.
While Almunia was solid for the first few games, he resorted to his old, pathetic self against West Brom, as he shipped in three goals. It was in this match that he picked up an elbow injury that resulted in Fabianski being appointed the first choice goalkeeper.
Following this injury of his, Fabianski performed remarkably well, as he showed plenty of talent and potential and was one of the Gunners’ best players till he became injured during January.
Due to his injury, his Polish compatriot, 20-year-old, Wojciech Szczesny, was drafted in as the first choice goalkeeper and has gone to perform remarkably well for the Gunners including some solid displays against Barcelona and Manchester United. His only real mistake came against Birmingham as a communication error between him and summer signing Laurent Koscielny resulted in Birmingham City winning the Carling Cup.
But on the whole, both of them have been largely solid and have been a stunning contrast to the performances of the Arsenal goalkeepers in the 2009-10 season.
The Players That Need to Be Signed
2 of 10
While some goalkeepers have been linked for some time now, I believe that none will be required. Both Fabianski and Szczesny have performed remarkably well this season, and their performances would mean that Wenger will most probably not sign a goalkeeper.
While both players might not be world class right now, they have the talent and potential to become top class players in the coming years.
While Almunia will leave mostly in the summer, there is no doubt that Lehmann will go after coming to Arsenal’s rescue when injuries struck. But with Vito Mannone also there, Arsenal will mostly have Fabianski and Szczesny fighting it out for a regular starting place. Mannone might have to contend with starting the cup matches and filling in for the two Poles.
One season ago, any Arsenal fan would have been horrified of the prospect of seeing Fabianski in goal. But he has made several giant strides this season and looks to have addressed some of the major flaws in his game.
In previous seasons, it became evident that he did not know how to deal with crosses and struggled to deal with physical teams like Blackburn and Stoke. But this season, there was a remarkable improvement in this sense, and he seems to be improving with every passing game in regard with his confidence, handling and judgment.
While Szczesny has been considered the future of Arsenal’s goalkeeping position, his performances this season have been a surprise to say the least. Ever since he was thrown in an against Manchester United, which happened to be his league debut, he has exuded an aura of calmness and composure that has been a delight to see.
While he has made a couple of errors, he has been good for large parts of the season, and along with Fabianski, will be good for the Gunners next season.
Verdict: No immediate need to sign a goalkeeper
Defenders
3 of 10
Last summer, Arsenal lost four defenders as William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos departed, moving to different clubs. Out of all these players, Arsenal fans only regretted the sale of Gallas, but maybe because of his negative influence on the team, it might have been the right decision in hindsight.
But all these transfers left the Gunners seriously deficient in the centre back position, and so during the summer, Wenger signed the fairly inexperienced Laurent Koscielny from Lorient and the experienced Sebastian Squillaci from Sevilla. That left the Gunners with four centre backs in Thomas Vermaelen, Johan Djourou, who had missed the 2009-10 season with injury, and the two new players.
It is fair to say that while Koscielny has overcome a rocky start to the season to become a solid player, Squillaci has regressed as the season has gone and is right now one of the worst players in the team.
An Achilles-heel injury during International duty meant that Vermaelen missed almost the entire season playing just the first three games before he returned in the penultimate game of the season against Villa.
This season, we have seen Koscielny and Djourou form a remarkable partnership during January and February, as the two of them conceded very less goals and formed a tight partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defense.
Koscielny has gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed, but fatigue seems to have caught up with Djourou, who has struggled off late. But despite that, their partnership proved to be a huge positive for the Gunners.
But as the season has drawn to its close, the Gunners’ weaknesses have been cruelly exposed by teams like Bolton, Stoke and Aston Villa, who between them, all have scored seven goals against the Gunners in just three matches.
All this has prompted Wenger to accept that the Gunners have been unstable defensively at times this season, and despite their good run at the start of the year, there still remains plenty of work to be done to make this an actual title winning defense.
Arsenal’s weaknesses have been from set-pieces, which even Wenger has accepted, and so that is one area that definitely needs some strengthening.
But on the whole, the team needs around two defensive signings, and this summer Wenger, cannot afford any half measures.
The Players That Need to Be Signed
4 of 10
Arsenal definitely lack a commanding presence in the box, someone like a Nemanja Vidic. Having a player like that will add some much needed spine and strength to the Arsenal back four. While Vermaelen is a dominating force on the pitch, his stature is hardly physically imposing, and there still remains question marks over his fitness and injuries.
Arsenal have lacked focus while defending at times, and they need a commanding presence who can organize the troops well and adds some structure to the back four. There are many names rumoured, and signing around two of them and off loading the dead weight would be the ideal move. In this case the dead weight includes players like Squillaci and Clichy to a certain extent.
Some players that the Gunners should try to sign are:
Giorgio Chiellini: The Juventus man who would be the ideal player for the Arsenal back four. Commanding, experienced and a proven world class player, he could add some fight to the Arsenal back four, and Arsenal fans would relish the sight of him teaming up with Vermaelen.
Brede Hangeland: Another commanding presence, but this time, closer to home. Fulham’s Hangeland was heavily linked to the Gunners couple of seasons back and would still be a welcome addition to the Arsenal back line. His height would make him a real force on set pieces, both while attacking and defending them.
Jan Vertonghen: In my opinion, he would be a great buy for the Gunners as his versatility would make him invaluable to them. He can play at centre back, left back, defensive midfielder and any left sided defensive position. He has been heavily linked with the Gunners, and a move would provide him with an opportunity to reunite with former teammate, Vermaelen.
Emilio Izaguirre: Like mentioned in the previous slide, the mistakes have been pouring in from Clichy and one player linked to the club is Scottish Player of the Year, Izaguirre, who has proved to be a revelation with Celtic this season. Signing him would provide Arsenal with some real quality down the left flank.
Verdict: In my opinion, the Gunners should sell Clichy and Squillaci and Wenger should sign Vertonghen, Chiellini and Izaguirre. If Wenger is unable to sign Chiellini, then Christopher Samba of Blackburn too would be a good option.
Midfielders
5 of 10
While it is often said that the Gunners have one of the league’s most talented midfields, Wenger maybe required to shake things up this summer as a number of players, including Nasri and Fabregas, may leave this summer.
If these transfers do happen, then Wenger will have to sign a few talented midfielders to strengthen his squad next season.
This season we have been witness to the meteoric rise of young Jack Wilshere, who has emerged as an integral part of the Arsenal midfield and has been one of their best and most consistent players this season.
Aaron Ramsey also finally made his return to competitive football, overcoming the double leg break he received due to Ryan Shawcross’s tackle. He performed brilliantly against Manchester United as the Gunners finally beat the Red Devils 1-0, a game in which Ramsey scored the winner. In recent weeks, he has played and started a lot thanks to Fabregas’ injury.
While Fabregas has been in and out of the Arsenal team, he has been fantastic as usual. Alex Song has continued his rise and has performed brilliantly this season as well, shielding the defense.
Samir Nasri has finally started fulfilling his potential and was the Gunners’ best performer in the first half season. This season has easily been his best at the Emirates club, as he has found the back of the net 15 times this season. Another player fulfilling his talent has been much maligned Englishman Theo Walcott, who has been a real force down the right for the Gunners despite the occasional frustrating performance.
While Arsenal may have players like Andrei Arshavin, Diaby, Denilson and Tomas Rosicky in their squad, they still need to make some transfers. It looks like around two to three of their midfield players may leave the club this season, and with players like Denilson and Diaby just not up to the mark, Wenger will need to make some shrewd signings.
On paper, it may look like the Gunners are stacked in midfield, but in reality, while there exists some depth in the squad, it is hardly what you can call quality depth, as players like Denilson are just not good enough to play for Arsenal.
The Players That Need to Be Signed
6 of 10
A lot of Arsenal’s transfer dealings will depend on the players who leave the club next season. While the Fabregas to Barcelona saga will undoubtedly intensify during the summer, it is unlikely that he will move to Manchester City in the summer.
Another player widely rumoured to be leaving the Emirates is Frenchman Samir Nasri, although Arsene Wenger believes that he should stay. But a big money move could be on the cards, and if Wenger does lose Nasri then, he will definitely have to buy a proper replacement.
Andrei Arshavin too seems to be uncertain of his future, as rumours linking him to a move with London rivals Chelsea have begun to circulate.
All this along with the sale of players like Denilson might see the Gunners in a need to buy some proven midfield players. Another area that might require bolstering is the defensive midfielder position. While Song is one of the world’s best, it is a fact that the Gunners lack a proper replacement, and in his absence, struggle. His replacements are either too poor or too inexperienced.
Here is a look at some potential transfer targets:
Eden Hazard: Lille’s Hazard has to be one of the worlds most sought after players right now, as teams from Italy, Spain and England, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, are reportedly interested in signing the Belgian wonder kid. Based on his performances this season, it is easy to see why all the talk has been surrounding the kid. A move to Arsenal will be great for the Gunners, as he can be the successor to Andrei Arshavin and can take up that role from the Russian.
Willian: When talk about Nasri leaving Arsenal intensified, Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk was touted as a potential replacement. Signing would not be cheap, but with the money Wenger gets from the Nasri sale, he is very much a viable option. Young and talented, but at the same time, he is fairly experienced. He would be a ready replacement for Nasri.
Scott Parker: When West Ham got relegated this Sunday, one thing became guaranteed: Scott Parker would move away from the Hammers. Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in snapping the experienced campaigner, but out of these clubs, the Gunners are in the best position to sign him because of the guarantee of European football. Over the course of the season, it has become obvious that the Gunners lack the fight and the grit. Parker has proved to be an inspirational leader this season, and he would definitely add some real fight and spirit to the entire Arsenal team.
Mario Gotze: One of the real shocks this season in world football has been the comprehensive way in which Borussia Dortmund clinched the German Bundesliga. Gotze has proven to be a revelation this season in the attacking midfield, and despite being just 18, has featured prominently for the German champions, scoring eight and setting up 15 as he has made 41 appearances this season.
Verdict: There is a chance that all three, Arshavin, Nasri and Fabregas may leave the Gunners this summer. In that case, the Gunners will definitely have to sign all three players. But irrespective of who goes, it is a must that Wenger must sign at least, Parker and Hazard this summer. If Fabregas and Nasri do leave, then Wenger may not have a solid player to play in central midfield other than Ramsey, and in such a scenario, the Gunners have to sign a creative midfield player like Bojra Valero or Hamsik.
Forwards
7 of 10
This season, Arsenal’s forwards, mainly van Persie and Chamakh to a certain extent. have performed brilliantly, while Nicklas Bendtner has not been as prolific, as he was towards the end of last season.
Van Persie has scored 21 goals for the Gunners this season, which is a career best tally for the Dutchman. Summer signing Chamakh has found the net back of the net 11 times this season, with 10 of them coming before December. He has struggled to find playing time as of late, having been relegated to the bench thanks to the emergence of van Persie and as a result of Wenger’s rigid one striker formation.
The performances of the two players have made chances of Bendtner had to come this season, as he has been used mainly as a substitute in the league. He has scored nine goals this season with just two coming in the league.
Chamakh’s dip in form can be attributed to a lack of playing time and due to fatigue more than anything else. Nicklas Bendtner looks frustrated on the bench week in and out, and if rumours are to be believed, despite Wenger’s desire to keep the big Dane, he looks all set to leave the Emirates this season with a move to a smaller club likely.
The Players That Need to Be Signed
8 of 10
While the Arsenal strike force has not been bad, which is seen by the fact that that only United have scored more goals than them this season, their goals are simply just not proportional to the possession they have. This just goes onto show that the Gunners are struggling to actually convert their possession into chances and to goals, and as we all know, possession is a useless stat unless you find the back of the net.
Over the course of the season, it has became evident that at times the Gunners’ formation is far too predictable, and organized teams like Stoke and Blackburn can resist the Gunners fairly easily, and this has cost the Gunners dearly this season.
The one striker formation is easily nullified, and Wenger needs to start mixing it up this summer. There are plenty of advantages in incorporating different formations into the squad. Right now, as soon the Gunners’ team is announced, there is no doubt about the team that Wenger is going to set up. Even when injuries strike, Wenger’s persistence with the 4-2-3-1 continues and that has got to change.
A look at the way, Sir Alex Ferguson handles his squad and uses tactics is the perfect example of the benefit of using multiple formations. It means that oppositions can’t really know what the Gunners are going to set up with, and at the same time, Wenger can use a much wider range of players and thus keep them fit as the season draws to its end.
For this to work, the Gunners require strength in depth, and that is not something the Gunners can boast. Whenever Wenger needs to win a game, there are only around 13-14 players he can choose from, and all this means that the players most probably are tired and fatigued by the time they reach March and April.
For Arsenal to adapt tactically, they need to sign a new striker and need to develop the 4-4-2 in order to accommodate van Persie in a deeper and freer role, a position in which the Dutchman thrives.
This means that it is priority that the Gunners sign another striker who can guarantee them 20 odd goals, and with Bendtner looking primed to leave, the importance of signing a quality striker to supplement van Persie cannot be stressed.
Karim Benzema: If rumours are to be believed, the Gunners are looking to snap up Benzema on a real bargain buy, and if that happens to be true, then that represents great news for Arsenal fans. In Benzema, we have a world class striker who can deliver the goals if given the starts and confidence like he has shown this season. He has found the net 24 times this season, and with Madrid looking to sign another striker, that could spell the end of Benzema’s tryst in Spain and could mark the start of his Arsenal career.
Radamel Falcao: If there is one word that describes Porto this season, then it has to be unstoppable. Unbeaten in the league and through to the Europa League final, the Portuguese side has been on fire this season. Falcao has been one of their star performers this season, scoring an impressive 38 goals this season to add to the 34 he notched up last season. He has made it a habit to score key goals and is the leading scorer in the Europa League and even scored four against Villarreal in the semifinals. He has the abiity to be a great striker for the Gunners, and they should look to snap him up this summer.
Hulk: True to his name, Hulk has been fabulous this season and has matched his teammate Falcao when it has come to scoring having notched up 34 goals this season, including 17 assists. Strong, powerful and deadly, he has all the makings of a fantastic striker, and he will add some much needed strength and fire power to the Arsenal attack.
Verdict: Out of these players, Arsenal fans would be delighted to see any of them don the red and white of the Gunners, as it would mean that the Gunners have some tremendous quality next season and have a strike force that can score the goals and finish the chances created by their midfield.
Transfers Out
9 of 10
Defense
Sebastian Squillaci
Gael Clichy
Midfield
Andrei Arshavin
Tomas Rosicky
Denilson
Strikers
Nicklas Bendtner
Transfers In
10 of 10
Defenders
Emilio Izaguirre
Jan Vertonghen
Brede Hangeland
Midfielders
Eden Hazard
Scott Parker
Strikers
Karim Benzema
