Arsenal Opinion

Every year we seem to be linked to every top young player in Europe, and the media have a great way of wetting an Arsenal fan’s appetite and leave us hopeful of signing top class players or world cup winners. In truth, it’s doubtful that this will ever happen.

I’m like all other gunners, I get very excited at the prospect of signing Hatem Ben Arfa, Micah Richards, Niko Krankjar, Gareth Barry, etc… but when was the last time we signed a player who really excited the fans? Sol Campbell? William Gallas? And they were exceptional cases, Sol was a free transfer and Gallas wanted to leave Chelsea and they would’ve done all they can to get there dirty mitts on the gentleman Ashley Cole.

Here’s my opinion on the summer transfer targets and Arsenal requirements, I would love to hear your views.

It’s clear that we need a winger to replace glass man Tomas Rosicky, or at least fill in for 90% of the season when he’s injured, and we’ve been heavily linked to the following players for the Left-wing position:

Hatem Ben Arfa: He’s a great player and he’s still very young, hence the reason he’s not a regular for Lyon. This is the player we would all love to sign but I really can’t see it happening. He plays for Lyon, and when was the last time Lyon released a gem on the cheap, and when was the last time Wenger spent big for one of Europe’s hottest?

Robinho: Wenger has been a big fan of Robinho for a few years now, and he tried to sign him and The Beast before they both opted for Madrid. Personally, I don’t think he’s good enough for the premiership – he’s got a great step-over or two but when has he really delivered? Seriously, watch him play for Madrid and he just isn’t effective. I hope stats can prove me wrong.

Ricardo Quaresma: Not going to happen!!! Too expensive, and you’re facing a battle with the top clubs around the world. Not Wenger’s strategy.

Nico Kranjcar: This for me is the most realistic signing of the four mentioned above. He’s played in the premiership for a couple of season so he doesn’t need time to adjust and every time I’ve seen him play he seems a handy little player. He just seems to fit the bill. Also, Arsenal and Portsmouth seem to have a very good relationship and I’m sure this can only help matters.

I have a sneaky feeling that Wenger will only sign one of these players if Hleb leaves. Vela will be the man to fill in for one of the wide positions when Rosicky is injured (so too can van Persie, Eduardo and Diaby) – but if Hleb leaves I believe Wenger will buy just the one player. Knowing Wenger, it’ll be none of the above, it’s always the least expected.

Who is going to replace Flamini? I think one man will answer that call. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the stage, Mr Alex Song. Yes, the laughing stock of the Arsenal squad only a year ago has been without doubt the most improved player in our squad and no longer do we feel nervous when he wears the lovely red and white. Wenger will probably buy a young French midfielder that nobody has heard of to play second fiddle – I don’t think Diaby is the answer through the middle, he doesn’t seem brave enough, and the idea of Toure playing in there scares the living daylights out of me.

Flamini replacement?

Wenger may sign a centre-back as this is clearly a problem area for us, but everyone knows that Wenger is a big fan of Senderos and he might feel he has reached the right age for a centre-back to stand up and be counted. I have mixed opinions about Senderos – one week he’s fantastic, then he plays against Drogba or Torres!!! He could come good. BTW: What has happened to Djourou? Before he went to Birmingham he looked like the most promising young defender in the premiership, and he hasn’t made many appearances since being recalled. He is still young.

One realistic defender who I’d love to sign would be Joleon Lescott; he’s versatile and solid.

Goalkeeper – I think Wenger will buy a third-choice goalkeeper to fill in when needed. A Mart Poom type signing me thinks. His first choices will be Almunia and Fabianski next season.

So, all in all, it’ll be another summer of rumours linking us with big-money moves, but we all know it’s not Wenger’s way of working. Personally, I don’t see an issue with that – we would’ve won the league if it wasn’t for our injury problems and we’re just a couple of numbers short, I don’t think it’s established world-class players that we need. Let’s not forget next season will be another years more experience for all of our young stars like Bendtner, Walcott, Denilson, etc… And we’ve got the likes of Mark Randall and Nacer Barazite coming through the ranks that both look like tremendous players.