Arsenal transfers assessed and where the Gunners still need to strengthen
With the forthcoming Premier League season on the horizon, Arsenal have made a statement of their intent with two solid transfers.
If the Gunners are to offer a more prolonged title challenge, however, then Arsene Wenger may need to bring in one or two more players.
talkSPORT assesses the club’s transfer business thus far and takes a look at where else they need to strengthen.
Who they’ve signed:
Alexis Sanchez - £35m from Barcelona
Mathieu Debuchy - £10m from Newcastle United
Where they need to strengthen:
GOALKEEPER
Wojciech Szczesny has firmly established himself as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper, but beyond him there is little competition. Lukasz Fabianski’s decision to leave and the expiration of Emiliano Viviano’s loan deal means that the Gunners’ de-facto back-up ‘keeper is reserve team incumbent Damian Martinez, who spent last season in and out of Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI.
The targets:
David Ospina - The likeliest arrival looks to be Nice goalkeeper David Ospina, who is being heavily linked with a £3m move to north London. The 25-year-old enjoyed a strong World Cup with Colombia that has no doubt improved his reputation, but Arsenal will have to act quickly with other European clubs rumoured to be monitoring his situation.
DEFENCE
Centre back
Arsenal’s defence was among the Premier League’s best performing last season - aside from three very heavy defeats - but their over-reliance on Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny was noticeable, particularly by the end of the season.
Current options:
Mertesacker and Koscielny aside, there are very few options for the Gunners in central defence. Thomas Vermaelen is still technically club captain, but his lack of regular involvement last season has led to suggestions that he will be leaving in the summer.
The targets:
Rodrigo Caio - According to reports from Spain, Arsenal are just one of the clubs thought to be interested in Brazil U21 defender Rodrigo Caio. The Sao Paulo star excelled at this summer’s Toulon tournament, and his versatility is thought to have caught the attention of Gunners’ scouts, but links with Barcelona could scupper a move before it even begins.
Toby Alderweireld - It could well be a case of one Belgian out, one Belgian in for Arsenal, with Toby Alderweireld thought to be a target. The defender has struggled to nail down a first team spot at Atletico Madrid and has aired his discontent on a handful of occasions. Whether Arsenal would be able to offer him more regular game time remains to be seen, but he would certainly offer Wenger a much needed option at the back.
STRIKER
Arsene Wenger may insist that he is not targeting a striker this summer, but that doesn’t mean Arsenal do not need to sign one. The club’s capture of Alexis Sanchez has certainly given their attacking options a shot in the arm, but their lack of a truly world class operator up top could prove to be a sticking point with fans again next season.
Current options:
If Wenger does stick to his guns and not sign another striker, then a large bulk of the goalscoring onus will be on Olivier Giroud’s broad shoulders. The Frenchman coped admirably last season as Arsenal’s target man, but towards the end of the campaign he looked weary.
Wenger may also point at Yaya Sanogo as a viable alternative to Giroud and while the youngster may blossom into a fine hitman in the future, he is far from the finished article right now.
Beyond those two is Costa Rican sensation Joel Campbell. Much like pretty much all of Arsenal’s attackers, Campbell is more of a wideman, but his stunning season at Olympiakos and impressive World Cup suggest that he could be ready to step up to the plate next season.
The targets:
Mario Balotelli – The only remaining ‘target’ linked with the Gunners, Balotelli’s arrival would certainly give Wenger options up top. While he may not be as accustomed to playing the target man role that Arsenal have adopted in recent seasons, there is no doubting his abilities. A more developed and complete striker than both Sanogo and Campbell, the AC Milan star oozes quality on his day.
Transfer window verdict: 7/10
Arsenal have seemingly learned the lessons of last summer and got a serious portion of their transfer business done early. The capture of Alexis Sanchez is undoubtedly the feather in Wenger’s cap, while the signing of Debuchy is a very smart decision. However, there is a feeling that the Gunners can still do more this summer to boost their chances of sustaining a title challenge.
Arsenal fans, how do you think your club has performed in the transfer window so far? Who else would you like to see arrive? Comment below...