With just over a month remaining of the transfer window, what do you think Arsenal need to bring us closer to Manchester United and Chelsea, and further away from Liverpool and Manchester City?
Here’s how I’m looking at it. This is what Arsenal have right now.
Goalkeepers: Manual Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone, Wojciech Szczesny
Behind every great team lies a great keeper. I don’t believe anyone can show me a quality team, and have an average keeper between the sticks.
Arsenal have not won a trophy for a good few years now, and you’ve got to wonder how different that stat would be if we had a world-class keeper.
It’s clear to me, and most Arsenal fans, that our weakness is our goalkeepers.
We’ve been lined to Mark Schwarzer recently, and that looks like a deal that is going to happen. Is he a good option? I actually think so. He’s the reason behind the success of Fulham last season, and he would not hinder the development of our potential number 1, Wojciech Szczesny.
Rating: 3/10 – We need a new goalkeeper now.
Right Backs: Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue
I think we’re sound for the quality of our right-backs, but we could do with one more versatile defender who can slot in at right-back if needed. Two sounds like enough, but I’m sure we’ll have a period this season when both are out at the same time. Djourou could slot in.
Rating: 8/10 – Not many teams in the Premiership have two right backs of the same quality as Arsenal.
Centre Backs: Johan Djourou, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen
After the loss of William Gallas and Sol Campbell, we are clearly lacking numbers and experience at the centre of defence. Whilst Campbell was a quality signing last season, and he filled in well when we had a number of injuries, the key loss for me is William Gallas. He’s been one of the best centre-backs in the Premiership over the last 10 years, and we are going to miss him. His personality is not good for the team, but his defending definitely is.
Whilst Vermaelen is one of the best defenders around, Koscielny is an unknown quality, and Djourou has only played one game in the last year.
We need two centre-backs. I’d be happy for us to sign one experienced player, and one relatively young player. Alex Song is an option, but he’s too valuable in his holding role.
Rating: 4/10 – We definitely need to improve, and I’m 100% sure Wenger will.
Left Backs: Gael Clichy, Armand Traore, Kieran Gibbs
We have some good options at left-back. Clichy is a quality left-back, but he’s had a knock of confidence over the past year or so, and doesn’t look the same player he was. Seems to make too many errors, but I think the challenge of Gibbs and Traore will keep him on his toes this season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Gibbs feature more often this season. I do believe he is the future Arsenal left-back. If the rumours are true about a Clichy and Felipe Melo swap deal, then I wouldn’t be surprised if Wenger went ahead with it.
Traore has an amazing recovery rate, and he looks like he needs it. He needs to improve in my opinion.
Rating: 8/10 – Some good options, and decent quality.
Wingers: Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby, Andrey Arshavin, Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere
Nasri and Arshavin are the starters for me. Walcott and Rosicky second choice, with Vela and Wilshere the final choices. For me, Diaby should never be an option. He’s useless. With the number of wingers we have, I do worry that Wenger will be using Diaby in the middle of the park more often this season, and that scares the shit out of me.
Arshavin could be key for us this season. After a disappointing season, he could have a point to prove, and be a big, big player.
Rating: 8/10 – I can’t see Wenger signing another winger. We look good in this area.
Central Midfield: Cesc Fabregas, Denilson, Alex Song, Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsey
I’d feel a lot more comfortable with our central midfield options when Ramsey is fit. He’s the natural successor to Fabregas, and he can fill in nicely when the Spaniard is out.
Nasri could feature more heavily in the centre, and I think we need that. I don’t feel comfortable with the idea of Song and Fabregas playing alongside either Denilson or Diaby.
If Song is out, then we’re lacking another defensive midfielder. Denilson cannot do that job.
Rating: 6/10 – One more signing would be nice, but I can’t see Wenger splashing the cash.
Forwards: Marouane Chamakh, Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner
If we play with two forwards this season, then we clearly need to sign someone. If we play with the lone striker like last season, then I think we’ll be absolutely fine. All three players are good options up front.
I have a feeling Chamakh is going to be big this season. I’m looking forward to seeing him.
Rating: 8.5/10 – Looking good if we play the lone striker.
Looking at the analysis, I have created a shortlist of what we need.
We need:
- Goalkeeper – I believe we do need an experienced keeper to fill in until Szczesny is ready. Mark Schwarzer or David James.
- Central Defender – Two would be nice. Not really sure who the realistic options for these positions could be. As mentioned, I’d like to see Wenger sign one youngster and one experienced player.
We would like:
- Defensive Midfielder – We need someone young and tenacious, who is willing to play second fiddle to Alex Song. Blaise Matuidi of AS Saint-Etienne could be a good option.
- Forward – Depending on the formation we play, another top quality striker could be needed.
Based on this analysis, it’s not all doom and gloom for Arsenal. I honestly believe we are only a goalkeeper and a couple of defenders away from being a world-class team, who could challenge for all honours this season. Will Wenger make the signings? We will find out in the next month or so.
Article written by Scottpuffin
Arsenal News 24/7
Ur an idiot
Great article and I agree on what we need.
stupid article
we dont need a dm we have frimpong
upfront we absolutely need one quality signing whatever formation we play. rvp is prone to injuries, bendtner scores once in a blue moon, chahmack is good but unproven in the prm lg and needs tym to adjust
Although i agree, this is a quite pointless article IMO, I think nearly every arsenal fan knows exactly whats needed and don’t need someone to tell them yet again.
arsenal needs arsene wenger to stop dicking players around and play them in fixed positions where they are comfortable!
Spot on
Apart from Diaby who can and will be big for us in the link-up play whenever we densify the middle with 3 CMs… (e.g. against Chelski)
A strong CB lead option alongside TV or cover is the absolute necessity – and the only mandatory signing. If this happens, we have our chances as any other team…
Was diaby REALLY that bad last year?
Come on, admit it, he was pretty good. And he certainly improved greatly on previous seasons. Everyone can see he has talent, and hes starting to realise it. I would prefer we had another player to start ahead in midfield (Flamini would be my choice), but the thought of him playing in the middle hardly scares the shit out of me.
And to just say that schwarzer was the reason behind fulham’s success is a bit strange. Hes always been ok, and at least consist, but nothing special.
hw iz he an idiot..u r the moron…nice article mate…
David James?? Pmsl..and how many times have you watched Blaise Matuidi.
Sorry but this is just poor
Duh. This post is nearly as stupid as what you read on shite sites like LeGrove. Can you say “herd mentality”? If you’re going to add a blog to the dozens of (quality) Arsenal blogs out there, at least try to think for yourself and offer an interesting point of view. Your post is a regurgitation of ten thousand that appear elsewhere and adds nothing to the dialogue.
We need a striker just as badly as we need a central defender. van Persie will be injured, Chamakh isn’t ready yet, and Bendtner is unlikely to be fit to play before January.
vry poor article, diaby or dennis aint as bad as u think and we have frimpong who will surpass song in my opinion. david james! im suprised ur comp let u write that. and bentz has a decent goal record actually. im absolutely sick of some of these muppets.
i was with you until you said Diaby is useless and for that you are an idiot. How can you say Diaby is useless he has dominated games for us ok sometimes he goes missing however, he can and will be a great player for us. He played for France at the world cup because the fans saw how good he was in matches beforehand
Diaby is shit, but at least he’s consistent at it.
Nice post, i think we need two central defend nd one top class melfield nd strike
We dont need a defensive mildfielder, we got Frimpong. Why do guys like you expect that a team can only be improved by buying? Your analysis is bullshit, if all you want is for the club to throw money around like fools, then go support man shitty, i guess they will match your expectations in money wasting.
our first choice midfield is CESC, SONG and DENILSON.because when 100% fit they always start.Now here is the important part,if Arsene thinks they are good you can be sure they are .So when people say Denilson and Diaby are “crap” we should ignore the stupid self opinionated half wits and get behind the team.
Diaby shit? Wow.. I agree he’s had bad games,who doesnt, but the guy is clearly talented. This blog really was nonsense. Unfair and unbalanced opinion. I wont be returning to read it again, that’s for sure.
Wenger used to play Stepanovs, Senderos and Cygan.
Almunia has been our first choice goalkeeper for the past couple of season, does that make him good?
George, your argument is flawed.
Hmmm,u’ve al spoken bt not all have spoken well.D writer of dis article is absolutely ryt.Until we stop deceiving ourselves,dat is wen we wil b formidable conteders in al competitns once again.
Hmmm,u’ve al spoken bt not all have spoken well.D writer of dis article is absolutely ryt.Until we stop deceiving ourselves,dat is wen we wil b formidable contenders in al competitns once again.
apart from Almunia none of them were first choice,Gary
Your analysis of the forwards is flawed. If we play one up front then Chamakh, Bendtner and van Persie can obviously all do that and if we play two then Arshavin, Vela and even Walcott are options, so why would we need to buy another striker.
As for the midfield well we probably could do with another defensive minded player. Frimpong or Eastmond could step up this season for the occassional game against lesser teams but against the top 5 and the Stokes of this world they would struggle.
Poorly thought article. If you have no topics of real relevance, just don’t write anything. To say Diaby is useless is beyond laughable. He may not be the finished article by any means, but he was absolutely immense in a lot of games last season. I suggest you think very hard before writing your next article.
What we need is a big-name signing. I don’t think anybody gives importance to that. But, an icon can really help in my opinion.
Diaby is shit. The bloke had about a month last season of playing well. It’s typical of him. He’s a ’1 good game in 10′ player.
To keep suggeaying he has potential is nonsense. You have potential from about 15 to 21. What is he, 24? Wankers.
i think we need one central def and keeper
you said lot of good things but we don’t need dm cuz we have frmpong who is going to be amonster.for striker we have vella , arshavin , or evan jet for back up so stop the bullshit we going to be stronger with world class goalkeeper and one more cbthats all we need.
Dude I was reading until you name dropped David James…. sorry dude but you lost it…
i think this piece is a fucking joke. how can u say diaby is as bad as that. sometimes the guy can run the show ! people just need to realise its not all about flashing the fucking cash ! arsene has been building something over a number of years , and this side is always going to improve ! everybody knows a keeper wudnt go a miss and wenger will definately add a defender. so everything isnt doom and gloom ! who knows, we might even make a title challenge. what a fucking shock that would be to some people ! if you ask me , arsenal are perfectly poised to win plenty of silver over the next ten years. dont worry be happy!
What is a ‘ledgend’?
I appreciate your criticism regarding my comments about Diaby. These are my opinions though. Football is all about opinions, and we can’t all agree on everything!
As for the comment about me not writing any more shitty articles. I do apologise if you don’t like that article, but that’s not going to stop me from continuing to write. It’s my blog, and I can write what I like!
I can bet it wit anybody,if we continue lyk dis,in d next 5 seasns,arsenal wil b trophyless.Stronger teams(we don’t need 2 mention) with more depth wil nt open t heir eyes % c arsenal winning things.
great article scott, you did a nice job breaking everything down
Thanks for the positive comments Royal_Arsenal11, much appreciated mate.
GK – I agree on that we need Mark Shwarzer coz Mannone nd Szcnhey are the future but i think Fabianski wud turn out good aswell wiv more carling or Fa cup runs.
CB – U didnt mention Nordveit that makes 4 but i still think we might need 1 more just in case coz Djorou is injury prone Campbell wud av been better but hes gone. Mertseaker, Micah Richard, Dikahte, Cahill, Tasci.
DM – How can u say u need a young DM who wants 2 play second filldle like Matuidi when we have Frimpong/Eastmond/Coquelin that have been waiting for a while now and are deff good enuf 2 play second fiddle soz we dont need a DM, as long wen Song is out Frimpong plays dere not Denilson or Diaby they are not DM’s.
CM – plzz dont say u think we shud get more we got more than enuf even our attackers can play dere.
All we need is a GK n CB.
1st Team:
Szczesny
Sagna – Koscielny – Vemalean – Clichy
Fabregas – Song – Nasri
VanPersie – Chamakh – Arshavin
2nd Team:
Mannone(Fabianski)
Eboue – Djourou – Nordtveit – Gibbs(Traore)
Wilshere(Ramsey) – Frimpong – Diaby(Denilson)
Walcot – Bendtner – Vela
3rd Team:
James.Shea
Eastmond – Bartley – Miquel – Botelho(Cruise)
Henderson(Randall) – Coquelin – Lansbury
J.E.Thomas(W.Silva) – Simpson(Sunu) – Barazite(Watt)
Good points on the whole. Need another DC definitely. In my eyes Bendtner is nowhere near good enough if we’re comparing Arsenal now to the great Arsenals of Ian Wright, Bergy, Henry etc.
Diaby and Denilson are useless and need to be shot pretty soon. I’d consider…..Song holding….Fab and Wilshere in front…Nasri on the left….Chamakh up top and Van Persie just behind him on the right. Arsh’s performances don’t justify starting in my eyes.
in my opinion diaby should stay and rocicky should go.
i would also like to see Hart, Richards and Hazard come in
gk and cb are a must and hazard would be a bonus as he would add real quality.
We need to concede less goals!
ps. i like rosicky but to many injuries
What we need is Schwarzer,Mertesacker. And I do agree with what the majority of you are saying, that we need another midfielder, one that can play at Defense and Central Defensive. As for the striking situation, we dont need another one we have JET to come in, and dont forget at a stretch in the right formation we could play with Arshavin or Walcott in the second striker!!!
Woe betide all dose attacking you 4ur opinion on Diaby…the guy is shit period.
please not schwarzer, 4m for a average 37 year old keeper is not going to improve our keeper situation
i agree with what we need i would like to see metersaker or tasic, maybe a cheeky bid for joe heart could be worth a punt as man c need to trim their squad as given is clearly the 1st choise! charlton cole for me would be great for those wet and windy nights chamakh and cole upfront would scare the life out of any defence and i would also like to see berhami of west ham as he can play across the midfield and slot into right back if needed and hes a solid player!!
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Just bear in mind that next season 6 of our current U21 players will not qualify under that rule any longer. Therefore, i think that the most we can expect for this season is 2 players unless of course, its one out one in. Certainly, i can see a CH being signed as Wenger has clearly pointed out that he thinks we need 5 and has not included Nordveit when he said at least 4. That to me says that he sees Nordveit as no.5 CH. I believe that Wenger will give Fabianski the nod for Liverpool and if he does sign another keeper, Almunia who is in his last year anyway will make way. Frimpong will be given the chance as Song’s understudy with JET being added to our attacking options.
Summary 1 CH to be signed, possibly a GK. He will wait till January to see if we need anymore.
I think that we need a goalie,a decent center back(preferably English) and a striker who is more deadly and scores more goals….
I would love to add that English tint to the defence by adding defenders like Phil Jagielka or Jonathan Woodgate or if of any other country my options would be Chielleni , Mexes or Mertesacker…..