Examining Arsenal’s Transfer Options

Article by e-Arsenal Correspondent Kingsley Okiwelu

With no game at the weekend (Arsenal does not play Newcastle until Monday night), perhaps this is an excellent opportunity to take a break from the hurly-burly of the premiership and cast one’s eyes towards what Arsenal’s transfer priorities should be, for next season.

The tabloids certainly require little prompting and the past few days have seen all sorts of names bandied about. They range from the usual suspects ( Draxler, Lars Bender, Morata, Remy), through the seemingly far fetched (Casemiro, Benzema, Fabregas) to the more prosaic( Callum Chambers, Schnerdelin, Drmic).

The result of Everton’s game with Southampton was favourable to the gunners, and it appears that barring any unforeseen last minute collapse, Arsenal are now odds-on favourites to, at the very least clinch fourth place. It’s perhaps slightly presumptuous to assume that 4th place, is a dead certainty for the gunners, but giving the relatively kind nature of the remaining fixtures against Newcastle, West Brom and Norwich City, it’s looking increasingly likely that the target of qualifying for next season’s champions league is within reach.

Attaining that target is all important, of course. Not only because, it’s important for the club’s development to stay within touching distance of Europe’s elite, but also, as Manchester United are likely to find out next summer, because attracting the best players in the world without being able to offer them the lure of Champions league football, will come at huge cost in terms of transfer fees and wages.

Taking a cursory look at some of the targets that have been mentioned recently, it becomes immediately apparent that some of them are fanciful in the extreme. For instance, who really believes that Kareem Benzema will fancy a move to Arsenal, especially if, as it currently seems possible, he succeeds in winning the much sought after la decima for Madrid? The only factor that gives this theory the slightest thread of credence is the notion that Madrid may make a move for Luis Suarez. Even if they do, however, given Liverpool’s ability to now offer him Champions league football, it’s not unreasonable to believe that their chances of keeping the Uruguayan for a few more seasons have been considerably boosted. Furthermore, it seems doubtful to that Wenger will be interested in going for Benzema considering his reputation for sulking when things are not going his way and the very real danger that placing him in direct competition for a starting berth with Oliver Giroud may bring about some unhealthy rivalry that could be detrimental to team spirit at some point in the future. I can just hear you say that what’s of paramount importance is that the gunners get a world class striker to take the load off Giroud and provide a more credible goal threat up front, but if that comes at the expense of the team spirit and the general bonhomie that seems to pervade the Arsenal camp, I’d rather pass.

So if not Benzema, who then, you might ask? Well, it’s my humble contention that what Arsenal does require next term is not necessarily the biggest names, but players with real hunger and a desire to achieve great things and who can come in, hit the ground running quickly and provide some qualities that the team is currently lacking. With these criteria in mind, I would seriously consider bringing in someone like Loic Remy, next season. Pace has been a sorely lacking attribute in the Arsenal attack of recent and he could provide a sorely needed option particularly when we play against teams that play a high line. Secondly, he would not come with the kind of overweening reputation that could have potentially fatal consequences for Giroud’s confidence and whilst the gunner’s current target man has sometimes flattered to deceive, there’s little doubt that he has been at the very least, a qualified success this term. What’s required therefore is someone who will complement his attributes, provide some competition for his position, but who could also play alongside him if the occasion demands. Remy, with his ability to both lead the line and play from the flanks should satisfy those criteria.

In midfield, it seems clear that we require someone who can serve as a long term replacement to Mikel Arteta. We’ve heard names like Lars Bender and Morgan Schnerdelin and in my opinion either will do although both have their unique strengths. Bender is noted for his strong work ethic, his tireless running and his strong tackling whilst Schnerdelin has impressed this season at a Southampton side that has pressed the ball remarkably well. His ability to pass the ball quickly out from the base of the midfield is another attribute that may be particularly attractive to Wenger considering Arsenal’s reliance on quick passing out from the back to make the current system employed by the gunners work.

I also think that the gunners require an additional centre back and a right back to replace Bacary Sagna who in all likelihood will leave at the end of the season. It will be really sad to see the French right back leave, as he’s been such a dependable player for us for several years. However, one can understand his justifications for wanting a move considering this is his last chance for a big payday and realizing that the likes of PSG and Inter Milan may be more amenable to giving him a three-year contract at this stage of his career. If he does leave, good luck to him, but I’d ideally like a replacement with some experience. Callum Chambers has been mentioned, but I’d prefer someone like Lukasz Pizcek from Borussia Dortmund or Liechsteiner from Juventus. A good, young Centre back may also be a good idea.

Well, that’s it from me today. We’ve got an excellent opportunity to continue building strongly to the FA cup final as we welcome Newcastle to the Emirates tomorrow. Let’s hope the boys keep our strong run going.

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