In the past, Arsenal have not always been punctual with their transfer dealings.
However, with Wenger having agreed a two year contract, one would suspect that he would have outlined to Kroenke and the board, the positions he wishes to strengthen.
It is under eight weeks until Arsenal meet Chelsea in the Community Shield. Whilst it is always fantastic to get a win over your fiercest rivals, the shield is a glorified friendly – often used to hone any last minute tactics or allow new players to familiarise themselves with the first team.
Wenger doesn’t always assess the team in the same manner as the fans. He sees players day in and day out at the training ground and often believes them to be more capable than fans often give them credit. However, there certainly seems to be a number of obvious areas that Wenger will look to strengthen this summer:
A number two goalkeeper
It has been widely reported that David Ospina will be allowed to leave the club this year. Following two years as the cup keeper, one can understand that he would prefer to play more regularly. Wenger has a number of options from which to choose from.
Firstly, he could promote Emi Martinez to number two and rumour has it this is the plan.
The inexperienced goalkeeper is a solid shot-stopper with dependable feet and hands. His promotion to number two would allow Wenger to play Cech in the Premier League and Champions League rather than retaining a more experienced second keeper through the incentive of Champions League and domestic cup football.
His second option could be the return of Szczęsny. The Pole has been in exile for two years following a foolish incident in the club’s changing rooms. However, having kept the most clean sheets in Italy last season, Szczęsny’s stock has risen with Juventus reportedly interested in the Pole. If Wenger was to grant the keeper a return, the Arsenal boss would face a tough decision between the Pole and the Czech for the number one shirt.
Unfortunately Szczęsny’s return may be subject to Gerry Peyton’s willingness to work with the keeper. Reports have suggested that the two fell out with each other prior to Szczęsny’s loan. If this is the case, Wenger may opt to bring in a keeper, someone who is young enough to not immediately desire first team football whilst Cech is at the club but with enough potential to fill in when the Czech keeper is out.
Reinforcement at centre back
A concern I have with the club’s current set-up is Wenger’s disinclination for signing more than a few players. No one is suggesting that Arsenal needs an overhaul, however, with Wenger adopting a back three, Arsenal will need further reinforcement.
Currently Arsenal have six centre backs: Koscielny, Mertesacker, Mustafi, Gabriel, Holding and Chambers. Gabriel suffered a medial ligament injury at the end of last season and whilst it should only keep the Brazilian out for a maximum of eight weeks, it would mean the defender missing pre-season and quite a few games.
The other concern I have is the suitability of Calum Chambers. Despite playing relatively well last season, it is yet to be seen whether the young Englishman can make the grade at Arsenal. There is clearly talent in Chambers, he is strong in the air and robust in the tackle but concerns still linger, not least because of the defender’s lack of pace. However, like Mertesacker, the new back three system may help to negate this weakness.
Wenger may also be tempted to count Monreal as another central option. The Spaniard has proven that he can play at both centre back and wing back but given that Kolasinac will be playing his first season in the Premier League, Wenger will most likely look to bed the Bosnian in slowly – meaning Monreal will be required in both positions.
That only leaves five fit and specialised centre backs and with Mertesacker’s future consigned to that of ‘standby player’, the Arsenal boss must surely bolster his options.
A suitable midfield partner for Granit Xhaka
The engine room has long been a sore point for many an Arsenal fan. Having been spoilt for years with players such as Petit, Vieira, Gilberto, Fabregas and even Cazorla, Arsenal are quite shallow in terms of quality and depth.
Arsenal finished the season strongly with Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey combining well. Despite a few shaky moments, Xhaka has carved out a niche for himself as a deep passer in the team. Although he plays closer to the defence, he is more of an offensive outlet than a defensive shield. His passing shone when Arsenal embraced a wing back formation with Monreal, in particular, becoming a beneficiary of the Swiss’ passing range.
However, Xhaka is not without his faults. Due to his immobility and his poor tackling technique, he has found himself the subject of some harsh refereeing and a lot of pundit condemnation. However, I would defy anyone to find a midfielder who has passing range, tackling, mobility, height and strength in their arsenal. Xhaka draws criticism for his obvious flaws but gets little in the way of praise for his talents.
It is now down to Wenger to find him a suitable midfield partner. Ramsey looks to be the number one candidate – but his infuriating loose passing and occasional daft moment often invites censure.
Coquelin, although a willing runner, is often characterised as some blundering buffoon due to his rash tackling. Though Coquelin’s passing is rarely incisive he does help to keep possession and allows the more influential players to shine.
The final alternative is the leather lunged Elneny. The Egyptian has excellent stamina and frequently clocks up considerable distances in each game he starts. He also plays the ball quickly, rarely taking a second touch.
Having spent a great deal of money on an exceptional midfielder last season, it would seem a shame not to find an appropriate partner to allow Xhaka to truly shine. Each of the former three could make a reasonable case for being considered. But given that Wenger seems to have lost faith in Elneny, has often rotated Coquelin and Ramsey is prone to injury – Wenger may just have to look for an external solution.
NB* I have decided not to include Cazorla or Wilshere in this consideration despite knowing that Wenger will include them in his numbers. Cazorla is likely to miss six months of next season (at least) following another operation and Wilshere struggled to cement a place in an unexceptional Bournemouth team. Ironically, both could be an excellent counterbalance to Xhaka’s passing with their ability to dribble and create space and opportunities for others, however fitness concerns negate either being considered.
An alternative creative outlet
I have long thought that Arsenal have needed another creative outlet in the squad. Özil is an incredible player – however if he fails to perform, there are few who can carry the burden in his absence.
Alex Iwobi has demonstrated the necessary potential to believe that he can be an astute and assured creative influence. Yet at the age of 21, the Nigerian is not ready to carry that mantle fulltime.
Alexis Sanchez can act as creator or finisher in isolation – but it is a tough task to do in tandem. Similar to Özil, he frequently plays a high number of key passes per game. However, the Chilean can often be isolated or can attempt to win the game on his own all too frequently – which usually doesn’t work in his favour.
If neither Özil nor Sanchez is on form, Arsenal are reliant on the creative instincts of Ramsey, Welbeck, Giroud, Walcott et al. All have attacking instincts but creatively they lack inspiration. Each is more comfortable at the end of a move rather than the origins which means Wenger has very little from the bench to call upon in times of need.
Rumours emanating about Mahrez make sense. Wenger has desired another creative option for a number of years. Differing factors such as availability and value in the market have hindered Wenger in this pursuit. Yet with Sanchez and Özil still to sign a new contract, Wenger may be proactive in his search and attempt to plug a creative crater before it emerges.
A formidable centre forward
There is always something more appealing about buying a centre forward than any other position. They command an awe and reverence that no other position holds. Even their names sound more thrilling: Lacazette, Morata, Mbappe, Aubameyang.
At present, Arsenal have a functional forward line. Sanchez and Özil both have the attributes necessary to break down a defence: the equivalent of a knight and a bishop on a chess board – enough to win a game.
Yet rather than supporting the devastating movement of a queen, they have a one dimensional rook in front of them. This could be any one of our strikers: Giroud – great linkup but little pace, Walcott – great pace but no holdup play, Welbeck – great runner but no end product.
A forward who could hold-up the ball, work tirelessly, finish coolly and provide pace to the attack would turn Arsenal’s functioning forward line into one of the most devastating in Europe.
Before you ask who, rest assured, there are many out there. Arsenal have dawdled in the past over transfer fees. Yet every player the club seem to haggle over, has gone on to exceed their original valuation. Higuain, Lacazette, Cavani, to name a few, – players who Arsenal refused to pay the necessary price but moved for a great deal more the following season.
If Arsenal are to compete next season, then Wenger needs a formidable forward. Someone who can dovetail with two of the greatest talents in the Premier League. They are out there but Arsenal will have to stump up for real quality.