Arsenal FC: How Will Major Signings Influence the Team and Their Playing Style?

This summer, the Gunners acquired a variety of players to fill the gaping holes left by the departures of Cesc Fábregas and Samir Nasri. Arsenal also needed to solve their defensive problem. Arsenal haven't had a good start to the season, losing matches to Liverpool and Manchester United.

They were both discouraging losses to start of the Premiership as they conceded way too many goals, especially against Manchester. The Gunners' start to the Champions League was more reassuring as they defeated Udinese Calcio in both legs of a playoff series.

It was Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie who propelled Arsenal to their victories. Arsenal have still managed to maintain their usual playing style, keeping possession, but it hasn't been as effective and efficient as it was with the presence of Fábregas and Nasri.

This summer, Arsenal acquired quite a few players, among the likes of Gervinho, Chu Young Park, Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos, Mikel Arteta and many more. A few of them have already proved that they can integrate into the Arsenal's playing style and develop chemistry with their teammates, while others are still yet to prove themselves.

So now I will explain to you how each major summer signing can influence the Gunners' playing style, whether they can develop some positive relationships with other players and how constructive they can be to the team this year.

Gervinho

Gervinho has already proved how much of an asset he is to this team, scoring some nice goals and assisting various teammates. The Ivorian has integrated himself with the possessive playing style of the Gunners and has proved to be effective on either side of the pitch, whether it's the left or right wing.

He has already developed some positive relationships with newly announced captain Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott. He might not have scored yet in the regular season, but I'm sure his name will appear on the score sheet any time soon.

Even though he has just arrived this summer, I can already tell that this Ivorian has a great career ahead of him playing at Emirates.

Per Mertesacker

Reigning at 6'6", I can already tell this German will be a sensational defensive addition to Arsenal. He will be able to aid the other solid center back on the team, Thomas Vermaelan, by being the solid, effective defender he is. He has already made a name for himself in his international team and his former club, Werder Bremen, so this kind of star power could really help the Gunners.

Just the fact that he is so tall proves that Arsenal will be scoring more goals from set pieces because Per is an aerial monster, scoring headers here and there. Arsenal have needed an Aerial presence like Mertesacker for a while, and now, Arsenal got more than they asked for.

I know that Per Mertesacker should be able to blend into the Gunners' playing style with time. He should be able to develop some good chemistry with time. I predict that the German will be the most effective, influential summer signing of the summer window. 

Andre Santos

Andre Santos was another one of the good summer acquisitions by the Gunners. He has quite a bit to offer on the left flank, like former left back Gael Clichy. His offensive game is superior to his defense, but the playing styles and skills he has to offer are similar to those of Frenchman Gael Clichy.

I am positive that Andre will be able to synthesize his game with the Gunners' playing style; his defensive game will help the team, and he has a great career ahead of him on Arsenal.

Chu Young Park

Arsenal were happy to see South Korean captain Chu Young Park enter the gates of the Emirates. He has been a huge asset to his international team, scoring crucial goals that end up saving his team. If he is able to perform these kind of wonders for the Gunners, he could develop into a real star.

His playing style shouldn't be too difficult to assimilate with the team's current style. His attacking abilities will be beneficial to Arsenal as they have had trouble netting in some goals in their initial matches, so a forward like this South Korean could really patronize the team. 

Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has been one of the best purchases of the transfer window. The Spaniard is a playmaker with a variety of tricks up his sleeve; but he won't ever be able to replace Cesc because his performances are dipping. He can make some great passes and turn half chances into goals.

He will have a great career ahead of him at the Emirates. He will be able to harmonize his mastery with the passing style of Arsenal. The Spaniard will be one of the most effective of the plethora of players acquired by Arsenal this summer.

Yossi Benayoun

Yossi Benayoun is a midfielder similar to Mikel Arteta; he can produce terrific passes, he can score in various ways. He is the perfect midfield package for the Gunners. He could also potentially be a proxy of Samir Nasri or Cesc Fábregas.

He has a lot of experience to offer to this Arsenal team, and his capabilities will symphonize well with the Gunners' style of play. He will really be a beneficial factor to this team's success. Even though the Israeli midfielder is only participating in Arsenal's matches for this season only, his career here will be a memorable one. 

Conclusion

Ultimately, I'm sure that each summer acquisition will contribute greatly in the Premiere League and the Champions League. Some will do better than others, but each individual will benefit this team. Hopefully Arsenal can boost their ranking up in the English League, and take the Gunners as far as possible in the Champions League. 

I am positive that the Gunners will be able to salvage something from the 2011/12 season, but it will definitely be a challenge as other giant clubs acquired a plethora of players. It's a good thing Arsenal bought players this transfer window because they need to tag along the other big clubs in terms of star power.

So how do you think Arsenal will do this season with their new signings? Who will perform the best out of the purchases?