Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 5 Depth Additions That Can Solidify the Gunners
Heading into the summer transfer period, Arsenal fans were hoping for some big additions to push the Gunners toward the top of the table. Often overlooked, however, are the depth signings that often play a key role when injuries begin to mount during the season.
Manager Arsene Wenger has only brought in Carl Jenkinson so far this offseason. There have been strong links to striker Gervinho over the past week, and a deal is likely on the horizon.
Wenger and the Arsenal brass know the fans want more marquee signings before the start of next season. Money is an issue as always though, and it is unclear exactly how many additions Arsenal is planning to make.
Winning cures all problems, so even if the transfer list lacks a bunch on eye-popping names, strong results to start next season will wash those worries away.
With that in mind, here are five players the Gunners should consider adding to the squad that could reap big dividends when called upon.
Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City)
1 of 5
A familiar name to Arsenal fans, Sebastian Larsson has spent most of the past five seasons as a right midfielder with Birmingham City. He made three appearances with Arsenal earlier in his career but was mostly unsuccessful during his time with the Gunners.
Larsson only scored once in his first 30 appearances in the Premiership. He did find a groove when he received consistent playing time with the Blues, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 25 more in 157 games. He has also had a successful summer so far, scoring a goal and adding three assists in three starts in European qualifying games for Sweden.
Larsson has improved since his exit from Emirates Stadium and would be a solid addition to the bench. Aside from playing in the midfield, he can also play defense in a pinch. It is that type of versatility that managers need from their reserves.
Willian (Shakhtar Donetsk)
2 of 5
An attacking winger that Arsenal are in desperate need of, Willian would provide the Gunners with a scoring touch they are currently lacking. He hasn't played enough against the biggest teams in the world, so there will be a transition period for the 22-year-old midfielder.
He struggled to score in the early portion of his career, netting just six goals in his first 113 club games. His next three seasons have been much improved though, as he has scored 20 times in 86 games. That production that has several teams interested in him during the current transfer window.
Like Sebastian Larsson, Willian has had a strong summer, scoring seven goals in seven games with Corinthians.
Willian would start as a reserve until he proved he can handle the bigger stage of playing with Arsenal. There is definitely a chance he can eventually break the starting lineup, especially for a team that has periods were they struggle mightily to score goals.
Benoit Tremoulinas (Bordeaux)
3 of 5
Benoit Tremoulinas is a left back that likes to join the attack and would provide Arsenal with solid services into the box. The 25-year-old French international has shown solid progress during his time with Bordeaux in Ligue 1 and appears poised to make the next step.
During his time with Bordeaux, Tremoulinas has played 126 games over four years. He has scored four goals during that time, but his 22 assists are more telling of his offensive ability. By all accounts, Tremoulinas is also a smart defender that won't get caught out of position too often, despite liking to move forward and join the attack.
Due to his offensive prowess, Tremoulinas can also play in the midfield. Like Willian, he would likely need some appearances off the bench to get his feet wet in Premier League play. That potential is there for him to become a very valuable asset for Arsene Wenger.
Mamadou Sakho (Paris Saint-Germain)
4 of 5
Mamadou Sakho is a 21-year-old defender who would provide size on the back line that Arsenal fans covet. Another Ligue 1 player, Sakho has spent his entire career with Paris Saint-Germain, but looks ready to make the jump to the Premiership.
Sakho showed a new side to his game last season, scoring four goals in 41 appearances. He had scored just one time in the first 90 games of his senior career. His best qualities are on the defensive end, where he plays center back for the most part but has also played left back when called up. He is great in the air, making him a big asset on set pieces.
Not only is Sakho a strong player on the pitch, but he is a leader as well. That means he'll provide value to the Gunners, even if it takes some time for his game to acclimate itself to the Premiership. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him playing important minutes for the Gunners before long.
Alex Chamberlain (Southampton)
5 of 5
Alex Chamberlain would be more of a developmental project for the Gunners. The 17 year old striker has spent the first two seasons of his club career with Southampton in English League One. He has shown enough potential to garner interest from EPL clubs.
Chamberlain has netted 11 goals in 43 games with the Saints and added nine assists. While he has had flashes of greatness with the ball at his feet, he just needs to become more consistent. His size is also a plus, as he should be over six feet tall when he finishes growing. He has also played at three levels with the English national team (U18, U19, U21), but he has yet to score.
This wouldn't be an immediate impact move for the Gunners, as Chamberlain needs some work before he's ready to compete on a weekly basis in the Premier League. It is worth a chance, however, because the potential to provide Arsene Wenger with another weapon is evident.
