Amid a purple end to a promising campaign in which Arsenal could finish second in the Premier League and retain the FA Cup for another year, Gunners fans are full of optimism in anticipation for next season.
If the north Londoners start it in the same manner they’ve finished the current one, they could well launch their first real title bid for the best part of a decade.
Summer signings are still required to strengthen both the starting Xi and the squad – but the prevailing concern is that Arsene Wenger won’t end up making them.
After all, we’re talking about a manager who let the £13million acquisition of Sylvain Wiltord in 2000 remain the club’s record transfer fee for the next eight and a half years, who prefers youthful signings to proven ones and who has spent the last few summers adding to Arsenal’s attacking options, despite their troubles at the back.
So with that in mind, here’s FIVE signings Wenger should be making this summer to transform his side into genuine title contenders, but probably won’t…
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PETR CECH
Although David Ospina has performed well since taking the No.1 mantle from Wojceich Szczesny to claim seven clean sheets in 14 Premier League appearances, Arsenal still need an upgrade between the sticks.
And there will be no superior option available to them this summer than Chelsea’s Petr Cech; a goalkeeper boasting four Premier League titles, the 2012 Champions League title and 332 appearances as Chelsea’s No.1.
At 32 years of age, the Czech international is firmly within his prime with arguably another decade left ahead of him, as a ‘keeper whose world-class positioning has always taken priority over his agility.
He’d add a much-needed sense of calmness to Arsenal’s defence and he’s easily one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the Premier League – only truly surpassed by golden oldies Tim Howard, Shay Given, Steve Harper and Brad Friedel.
But Arsene Wenger has already ruled the Gunners out of the race for the £10million-rated goalkeeper’s signature. “I believe in the goalkeepers I have,” said the Arsenal boss earlier this month – as reported by Sky Sports News.
“I believe that Wojciech Szczesny is a very good goalkeeper and David Ospina has come in and done a fantastic job. You look at the numbers in the Premier League and who is top of all the goalkeepers and you will see it is Ospina.”
MATS HUMMELS
Since winning the World Cup with Germany last summer, Per Mertesacker’s performance levels have undoubtedly dropped. Now 30 years of age and always plagued by his lack of pace, the centre-back’s limited recovery speed will only become an increasing problem for the Gunners over the next few years.
A long-term replacement is in order and in terms of readily available centre-backs in the coming window, Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels stands head and shoulders above the rest.
He blends the aerial dominance of a 6 foot 4 frame and exceptional reading of the game with the Franz Beckenbauer-esque ability to join or instigate attacks from deep positions – making him a perfect addition to the Gunners’ brand of attacking build-from-the-back football.
And the 26 year-old is almost certain to leave Westfalen this summer, following a campaign in which Dortmund have failed to qualify for the Champions League and resultantly parted with iconic manager Jurgen Klopp.
But once again, Wenger has dismissed the notion of signing the German international this summer.
“Four is enough,” said Wenger in regards to centre-backs Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Calum Chambers and Gabirel Paulista, as reported by The Express. “Debuchy can play there, Monreal can play there, so you can say we are not out to buy a central defender.”
Javi Martinez
An optimistic suggestion perhaps, but Bayern Munich battering ram Javi Martinez represents everything the Gunners currently lack in the middle of the park.
The Spain international measures in at 6 foot 3 and is so reliable defensively he’s often filled in at centre-back for both club and country. He’d be the perfect signing to contest the physical dominance of Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic and Manchester City’s Yaya Toure on a bi-seasonal basis.
The 26 year-old is also blessed with all the technical quality you’d expect from a Spain international playing for a tiki-taka-inspired Pep Guardiola side.
And despite not receiving too many inches in the tabloids’ transfer rumour columns recently, he could be interested in leaving the Allianz Arena this summer, having slumped down the pecking order somewhat since Guardiola’s arrival.
He’d likely cost a figure upwards of £30million, but if there’s one signing that can singlehandedly make the Gunners title contenders once again, it’s probably Martinez.
Unfortunately, however, something tells me Wenger won’t even test the waters this summer.
MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN
A Martinez alternative Arsenal have been relentlessly linked with in the tabloids, the Gunners need more mettle in midfield and Morgan Schneiderlin is one of the most formidable enforcers in the Premier League.
This season, for example, the Frenchman has averaged the second-most tackles per-match of any Premier League player, and his double-screening alongside Victor Wanyama has undoubtedly contributed to Southampton boasting the division’s second-healthiest goals conceded column.
Manager Ronald Koeman has even admitted the 25 year-old could force a move away from St. Mary’s this summer but the recent rise of Francis Coquelin could stand in the way.
The young Frenchman has been in fantastic form since his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in the first half of the season. Arsene Wenger has never been fond of ousting young players for the sake of more costly, experienced personnel.
KARIM BENZEMA
According to reports from Mirror Football this morning, Real Madrid could cash in on front-man Karim Benzema this summer.
The France international would be perfect for Arsenal and especially their lone striker role; he’s a big-and-burley, old fashioned centre-forward, measuring in at 6 foot 2, and has made a career out of scoring goals whilst bringing Real Madrid’s other talents – particularly Cristiano Ronaldo – into the game as much as possible.
Furthermore, now 27 years of age and having spent the last six years in Ronaldo’s shadow, Benzema still has a point to prove if he wants to be remembered as one of the top strikers of his generation – rather than just a sideshow to Los Blancos’ more coveted names.
His £40million price-tag should be within Arsenal’s financial reach. But Arsene Wenger has always maintained his faith in Olivier Giroud, which has been further justified by the Frenchman’s return of 14 goals in just 23 Premier League appearances this season.
Rather than considering an upgrade in the final third, the Gunners boss has instead insisted Theo Walcott is ready to play regularly at centre-forward and reminded fans Lukas Podolski, Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell will be returning to the Emirates from loan spells this summer.
