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As the season draws to a close, @DanGaleaStJohn has identified the areas Arsenal need to improve upon over the summer.
Our league position, joined with the fact that this year’s premier league champions have considerably less wealth is indicative of a need for change. And this year, I believe that a number of players will leave the club, and that a number will be brought in.
That being said, I do not think there will be a major overhaul, but a minimum of four players are needed this season.
Starting off with the Goalkeeper’s position, Cech was brought in last season, and Arsenal cannot realistically buy an upgrade in that position. However, a lot depends on Ospina and Szczesny’s futures. If any one of them remains at the club then there is no need to invest in this part of the transfer market. However, if both leave, then a back-up goalkeeper is needed.
Next up is the defense. A big change is needed here. Arsenal have lost 11 points from leading positions this season, and 11 points could have been the difference between 4th and 1st in the league. This is down to a lack of leadership and weak mentality in defence. Arsenal need a strong leader in defense; someone to partner Koscielny. I like Gabriel, but he isn’t good enough (yet). Arsenal need to sign somebody of Kompany’s ilk – but I do admit that it is easier said than done. However, Arsenal need to prioritise central defence. Left back could be another position the club need to invest in if Gibbs were to leave.
In midfield, with a number of ageing players expected to leave when their contracts are up, a number of midfielders must be brought in. Further to this, with players like Wilshere and Ramsey often suffering long term injuries, Arsenal need to make sure they have enough squad depth to mitigate the effect of injuries. A number of midfielders are already being linked with the club, and I think that Arsenal should invest on at least two central midfielders – one more attacking minded one, and one more defensively tuned. It is worth noting that the central attacking midfield position was almost always occupied by Ozil this season. If something were to happen to him (injury or otherwise), then another player would need provide Arsenal’s creative spark.
On the wings Arsenal have a number of options, but the main question is, will all of Arsenal’s current wingers still be at the club next season? Walcott has gone off the boil this season, and there are rumours going around that he will no longer be at the club. Oxlade Chamberlain is also in a similar position to Walcott, and if I were Joel Campbell then I would be looking for a way out of the club (although I would be very upset to see him go). If all Arsenal’s current wingers remain, then there is no urgency for buying a player in this position. But if departures occur, then Arsenal will need to delve into the transfer market and buy a winger.
The last area is the forward position, a position which desperately needs attending to. However, there are doubts as to the availability of world class strikers in the market. If a world class striker became available then I would snap him up, but otherwise, Arsenal are going to have to make do with their current strike force, who are going to have to improve if we are to challenge for that all elusive title next season.
So, to sum up: as things stand, Arsenal need to buy a central defender, two midfielders and a world class striker. We’ll see what goes on in (hopefully not another frustrating) summer.
