Ex-Arsenal forward, Paul Merson, has been speaking about Arsenal’s need for reinforcements this summer and just where they should spend their money.
Merson seems to echo the thoughts of just about every pundit and their mum when talking about where the Gunners need to strengthen during this transfer window.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the pundit said, “[Arsenal] definitely need a new goalkeeper. If you look at their two goalkeepers, when have they saved them points over the course of the season? I can’t remember many times. Look at how many points David de Gea has saved for Manchester United, and Thibaut Courtois for Chelsea. They soon mount up the points.”
He also mentioned, “At centre-back, Gabriel Paulista could be pretty good next season but they still need another centre-half and they also need a holding midfield player, but I don’t know who they’ll go for. You could say Morgan Schneiderlin, but at the same time a lot of Southampton players went to Liverpool last year and not many of them have cut it. Likewise, if you’re going to Arsenal from Southampton it’s a big, big move, so maybe they need someone who’s already played at that pressure level. I do like Schneiderlin, though.”
Other than mentioning how he likes Morgan Schneiderlin – before saying he may not be ready to play for us yet – Merson isn’t particularly forthcoming with any suggestions of who exactly we should be buying.
Merson continued, “And up front, when Olivier Giroud got injured Arsenal’s season kind of went with him, so they need another forward in case that happens again.
“I’ve just gone through the whole spine of the team. Every team has to have a good spine to win anything and I think they need new faces in every position down the centre – that’s worrying. Look at Chelsea, they’ve got one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Courtois. They’ve got John Terry – different class. Nemanja Matic – different class. Diego Costa – different class. That’s their spine and then you start putting players like Eden Hazard and Willian in other positions, plus Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic at the back. But if the spine isn’t strong you’re not winning anything.”
While he does have a point and strengthening in certain areas is key to challenging for the title properly next season, I don’t believe we need as much as Merson believes.
A goalkeeper, sure. I’d personally like another centreback but Arsene Wenger’s ruled this out. Another defensive midfielder would be nice if it does look likely that Mikel Arteta could be leaving – although it looks as if he may be staying.
However, I don’t think we necessarily need a new striker. Alexis Sanchez can also play centrally and is a proven goalscorer, Olivier Giroud is in good form, we have Danny Welbeck back from injury soon, as well as the likes of Joel Campbell to return from loan.
Just because we haven’t blown huge amounts of money on our strikers doesn’t make them any poorer than the rest.