During the few weeks since Arsenal played last, there has been incredible speculation about who The Gunners are likely to sign to strengthen their squad. Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson have already stated their desire to move elsewhere, with some fans glad to see the back of them especially over social networking sites such as Twitter. A lot of talk has been about the possible arrival of Gervinho to The Emirates, although this has so far proved unfounded.
Other names which have been constantly thrown about include Phil Jones, the Blackburn centre back, however a move for Jones may be risky for Wenger as he is still young and experience is what is needed for the Gooners now. Even Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe were in the transfer rumour columns as being Arsenal targets, which shows the length and breadth of coverage that Arsenal have been given this summer already.
Of course, with arrivals, come departures. The aforementioned Bendtner and Denilson look set to leave, although at the time of writing they are still in North London. Barcelona’s reported move fopr Cesc Fabregas continues to bubble up and refuse to go away. An offer has reportedly been made by Barcelona offering less money than last summer’s failed bid, including Nou Camp starlet Thiago Alcantara to soften the blow. With that said, the Samir Nasri saga continues to blow hot air, with Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand coming out in the media to say that they both wish the Frenchman to make his mind up and transfer to the Old Trafford club.
Nasri came out on Twitter and refused to deny these claims, only stating “not to listen to the newspapers” and that he would “let the fans know if something happens”.
There are a few positions which I feel that Arsenal will need strengthening over the summer. The arrival of players such as Gervinho or Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk, as reported in the Sun, would add some extra options to the midfield, adding some real quality possibly for the first-team or if the inevitable injury strikes. A centre-back, only in a back-up capacity, is needed.
I believe that Vermaelen will get the best out of the trio of Djourou, Koscielny and Squillaci, so the defence nmext year may not be as leaky as the past season, meaning a choice of five centre backs is a health position to cover injuries or mistakes. With Bendnter and Denilson looking elsewhere, cheap, but better players should be l ooked at. Having said that, if there is any truth in the Benzema rumours, it would come as a great relief to the fans to buy a world class striker over Bendtner.
But there is hope for the future and we must take it. To start, Ryo Miyaichi. A player no-one had ever heard of before his arrival from Chūkyōdai Chūkyō High School last year, but has since already grown into a fans favourite with Dutch club Feyenoord, where he played out last season on loan to gain first-team experience. Three goals and four assists in twelves games is an impressive return and Miyaichi held down a spot in the first-team. Miyaichi is due to play for Arsenal in the Emirates Cup, where his skills will be showcased to the paying public across the two days in late July.<
Another talent which is yet to be shown to fans is Pedro Botelho, as work permits have been repeatedly denied, so lo an spells in Spain followed. Very highly regarded in Spain, Botelho may not end up play for Arsenal as work permits are hard to come by and has been denied one three times by immigration services. With new signing Carl Jenkinson also linking up with the squad this summer, there are a number of young players which could step up into the first team next term in the same manner as player of the year Jack Wilshere. Of course these players must be careful not to take the same route of Carlos Vela, a promising player who has ended up with a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion due to a lack of first-team opportunities. I would like to see Vela back in the team next season, as I feel he has been wasted in the winger position and needs a more central role. However this may come in a back-up capacity if Wenger decides to partner Robin van Persie with a new striker such as Benzema.
Next season Arsenal must both be lining up with new replacements and additions to the squad as well as looking towards the future. A number of young players, including those not mentioned in here, such as Emmanuel Frimpong and Damian Martinez, who sat on the bench for Argentina's senior squad despite not playing a first team game for Arsenal, and being only 18, things are looking promising for the Emirates faithful. I urge fans to be patient as Wenger looks to be prudent in the window, and we shall see whether this approach gets us any closer to winning the trophies which have eluded us since our FA Cup triumph in 2005.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
