Arsenal: Henri Lansbury and 5 Internal Replacements for Samir Nasri
The contract status of Samir Nasri has actually managed to siphon a good portion of the headlines usually dedicated to Barcelona's pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. Anxiety is increasing at Arsenal about whether or not Nasri intends to commit his future to the club.
Arsene Wenger won't have given up hope of tying Nasri down to a new deal. Yet the more time that passes without Nasri putting pen to paper, the more Arsenal are forced to consider life without him.
Since arriving from Marseille in 2008, Nasri has enthralled fans with some moments of individual genius. His goal against Porto in 2010 and his brace against Fulham later that year, will live long in the memories of every Gunners fan, no matter where the Frenchman's future lies.
Nasri has also endured some rough patches since his move to the Emirates. Maddeningly inconsistent at times, he has frequently failed to produce at crucial moments. His failure to convert a golden chance late on in Arsenal's defeat at Bolton back in April, is just one painful example.
Part of Nasri's problems have stemmed from finding his best position. Despite being a player many see as destined for a central play making role, Nasri has most often been used on the left side of Arsenal's attack.
It seems highly unlikely that Arsene Wenger would allow the departure of both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in a single summer. So if Nasri were to leave, it is the left forward position which would need to be addressed before the start of the new campaign.
Here are five alternatives to Nasri already at Arsene Wenger's disposal.
Theo Walcott
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Moving Theo Walcott over to the left flank could have many benefits for the Gunners. The England winger does have some experience attacking down the left flank for Arsenal. During the 2007/08 season, Walcott displayed great promise playing in a role similar to the legendary Thierry Henry. His two goals in a Champions League demolition of Slavia Prague, seemed to indicate that Walcott had found a natural home on the left.
Since then the former Southampton youth ace has been wedged uncomfortably into a position on the right. He has never quite shown the same spark as he did on the opposite side. Allowing Walcott to shift to the left, would give him greater license to turn inside onto his favoured right foot. This could encourage greater fluidity and movement from a player still to produce his best form.
Walcott could remain part of a front three, giving Arsene Wenger the option of employing a more natural right winger. He could even prowl the left side in a four man midfield. With Walcott utilising his pace up and down the left wing and drifting inwards, Arsenal could team him with three more disciplined midfielders and still retain the appearance of 4-3-3 in attacking situations.
In tandem with the quick and tricky Kieran Gibbs at fullback, Walcott's presence on the left could restore a hallmark of Arsenal's title winning teams from the early part of the previous decade. Arsenal would require a left-sided central midfielder possessing sound tackling and astute reading of the game, to make this switch work.
Henri Lansbury
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Henri Lansbury is an Arsenal prospect who must soon start to produce his best form. Following the emergence of Jack Wilshere, many are naturally looking for the next young talent to emerge from within the Gunners ranks. Lansbury must step up an prove himself capable of a transition to the first team.
Lansbury is an energetic midfielder with true box to box potential. His tireless running means that he could provide better defensive cover for Arsenal's left back than any other candidate on this list. Lansbury has also been used centrally and would need to show the positional discipline not to desert the flank too often.
Lansbury has demonstrated the scoring touch. His keen a eye for a goal would be especially useful on the left side in Arsenal's current formation. Certainly not a true winger, Lansbury's movement around the opposition box would help create space for an overlapping full back and supporting midfielder.
Lansbury's lack of experience at the top level makes him a risk. But if he can display the talent and concentration required for the position, he could join Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey as part of Arsenal's first team plans. The exciting potential of this youthful trio would offset the loss of Samir Nasri.
Conor Henderson
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Like Lansbury young midfielder Conor Henderson has offered glimpses of first team potential. He merited inclusion in the match squad for the December 29th trip to Wigan and was given a starting berth in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient.
Blessed with a cultured left foot, Henderson would bring true balance to Arsenal's left flank. A player noted for clever touches, Henderson is a shrewd and accurate passer who would be a valuable source of assists.
The young Irishman also offers crisp, precise delivery form set-pieces. This skill would ease the burden on Robin Van Persie as Arsenal's chief proponent in dead ball situations.
Immediate elevation to the first team could be too big a leap for a player with only seven reserve appearances last season. But his brief foray in the senior squad in 2010/11 indicates that Henderson could be a player to watch in the very near future.
Ryo Miyaichi
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The arrival of pint-sized Japanese prodigy Ryo Miyaichi has created a lot of buzz at Arsenal. After being rebuffed in his attempts to secure a work permit, Arsene Wenger dispatched Miyaichi to the Eredivisie, on loan with Feyenoord.
Miyaichi's clean touch and instant acceleration quickly endeared him to the Rotterdam faithful. Combining close control at breathtaking speed with crafty dribbling skills, Miyaichi has drawn favourable comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Miyaichi's comfort operating on the left would make him a seamless replacement for Samir Nasri. The only concern is how well a player of such small stature would cope with the physicality of the Premier League. If Arsenal could channel their play to take advantage of Miyaichi's devilish pace and clever runs, he could be an instant hit.
Arsene Wenger will try again for a work permit. If the application proves successful, Miyaichi could be breaking into the senior squad sooner rather than later.
Abou Diaby
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Abou Diaby's Arsenal career is rapidly approaching its critical point. Widely tipped to be headed for the exit this summer, the French international has always been admired by Arsene Wenger.
Diaby's development has been stunted by injuries, loss of discipline and casual performances. Diaby is capable of producing sublime moments, such as his stunning goal at Villa Park in December 2008. But the former Auxerre prodigy has never done it enough. He must soon learn to put it all together if he is to have a future with Arsenal.
Never quite able to make the transition to a defensive, holding role in midfield, Diaby has always looked most effective in attack. A former number 10 striker as a youth, Diaby possesses the attributes to be a dangerous forward.
His powerful stride, strong turn and tight dribbling skills make him difficult to defend when driving towards the opposition box. Diaby has also demonstrated an effective shot from both feet. He offers some experience on the left-hand side. Though as a natural right-footer, Diaby's best value would likely come from cutting inwards. The inclusion of Diaby on the left would give Arsenal greater aerial prowess in attack and offer a useful outlet ball from defense.
Diaby would need to improve his fitness and show the dedication to be consistent on a more regular basis. His checkered history makes him a risk. But being deployed in a more natural forward position, may provide Diaby with the encouragement and means to finally deliver the numbers that his talents demand.
