With Gervinho’s transfer from Lille just awaiting confirmation, Gunners fans will be hoping this is the first major recruit of what could be an interesting close season at the Emirates.
Following the arrival of Charlton defender Carl Jenkinson, 19, the Ivory Coast international has reportedly signed a four-year deal, worth an estimated £10m.
After a disappointing end to the season, which saw the Gunners extend their trophy drought to six seasons, it’s evident that Arsene Wenger knows he must recruit wisely if he wants to propel his side back to their former glory.
However, with the futures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri currently in doubt it seems the pressure is truly on the Arsenal boss to provide the fans with a squad worthy of competing for the Premier League title come the start of the new campaign. Keeping the likes of Fabregas and Nasri will be key to the Gunners’ success next season. After finishing fourth in the Premier League, Arsenal are currently in a position where rebuilding is the priority, putting more significance on keeping the elite of their squad.
If Wenger is successful in persuading his skipper and Nasri to remain at the Emirates it could prove to be a very exciting summer in North London. With the signing of Lille striker Gervinho seemingly a done deal, and links to Newcastle’s Jose Enrique, Wenger is without doubt eager to strengthen is squad.
Gervinho, 24, is unproven in the Premier League, however you only have to look at Manchester United’s purchase of Javier Hernandez a year ago to realise that this isn’t always a negative thing. That said though, with United already possessing Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov they could afford to take a risk, whereas Wenger at this stage doesn’t have that luxury.
Robin van Persie netted 18 league goals last season, however with his injury record would it not make more sense for Wenger to opt for an experienced goal scorer this summer? Apparently not it seems.
The rumours regarding Enrique make interest reading, as not only would Arsenal be recruiting one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, it could also see the end of Gael Clichy’s Gunners’ career following speculation of a move to Liverpool.
The right noises are coming out of Arsenal so far in terms of recruiting players, although they still seem to by shying away from approaching the very best on the market. Signing young foreign talent is exciting for the future, but the last six years have proven that this ethos in the transfer market fails to bring silverware.
Arsenal fans surely require a statement of intent from their club this summer? An ambitious but realistic attempt to sign a world class player is what the Gunners’ fans crave, however it seems that job will again be left to Manchester City as Wenger opts to spend in the £10-£15m bracket, rather than spending £30+m for a player.
If Wenger can convince Fabregas and Nasri to stay at Arsenal to welcome new signings then the Gunners’ will undoubtedly have a realistic chance of challenging Manchester United for their title.
The Arsenal boss though must aim for the top with his recruitment, because if it is another summer of buying unknowns from the so-called lesser leagues of Europe it will be another season of ‘what could have been’ for the North London side.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
