Arsenal Transfer News: Is Signing Park Chu-Young the Start of Last-Minute Mania?

Arsenal FC has verified through their official website that Park Chu-Young has signed with the squad for an undisclosed fee.  He comes from Ligue 2 side Monaco after undergoing a medical.

Park Chu-Young, South Korea’s National Team captain, joins the London squad after seeing his former side relegated from France’s top flight. He will wear the number 9 shirt for Arsenal, further establishing himself as a first-team member who is capable of contributing in the offensive third.

Park amassed 91 appearances for Monaco while scoring 25 times, a strike rate not necessarily convincing for a number 9 type of player. But the South Korean was very influential for his club and captains his country, and the 26-year old often found his teammates lacked the same vision and quality he possesses.

On the cusp of this purchase, Arsene Wenger is looking to provide depth to his attacking options. Set to have Gervinho back from suspension soon and possibly Jack Wilshere return from injury, adding a young attack-minded is surely a reassuring purchase for Gunners supporters.

Arsenal is yet to bring in someone to shore up their depleted and inexperienced backline, so is the purchase of Park Chu-Young an indication of a last-minute transfer frenzy?

Fans of the Gunners can only hope, as rumors of German international Per Mertesacker and the Brazilian Andres Santos are being linked to the London affiliate. If these two indeed come to the club, expect them to bring plenty of experience and defensive stature to the desperate club.

Per Mertesacker is currently plying his trade in Germany for Werder Bremen, and has been linked with Arsenal a couple of times before. Andres Santos is a member of Turkish giants Fenerbache, where he is their starting left back.

Santos and Mertesacker can fill voids in the back, as Wenger sees the tall and powerful German as the perfect complement to Thomas Vermaelen. Santos, on the other hand, is seen as an ideal replacement for the departed Gael Clichy, who was sold to Manchester City during the summer.

Arsenal can have a very promising outside back pairing in Bacary Sagna and the Brazilian.  Those two can provide defensive coverage, but at the same time be essential in Arsenal’s build up attack. Mertesacker will provide height and intimidation in the center of defense, something Arsenal has lacked for years.

Rumors continue to swirl around the Emirates, as names like Clint Dempsey, Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Alex, Mario Gotze and even Kaka are all apparently on Arsenal’s radar. While newspapers have confirmed Dortmund has rejected a bid from Arsenal for Mario Gotze and Kaka has stated his desire to stay with Real Madrid, it would be awfully nice to see a couple more big names come to the club.

Arsenal fans will hope that the rumor mills turn into realistic transfers, because they are desperate for squad depth and real quality in their midfield and defense. The Arsenal faithful are urging Arsene Wenger to act now, and pull off a few clever signings before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.