In the first of our series of interviews with professional journalists, THC caught up with Dean Jones of The People to get his thoughts and opinions on Arsenal’s possible fortunes for the coming season.
1. Stability when it comes to key players has been rare at Arsenal in recent years – however, this year seems to be different, do you think this will have any particular positive effect at the club?
The British backbone they now have is something to be proud of, and the fact there have been no major departures has to help them. On their day, Arsenal are as good as anyone in this league. We are just waiting to see the consistency.
2. Walcott was widely expected to leave the club but signed a new contract in January before having his most productive season with the club – do you think he can only improve from here and where do you think his best position is?
I like him as a centre forward but I just don’t think he will ever get the chance to make the position his own. Arsenal have spent the entire summer looking for a main central striker, which suggests we will be seeing Walcott in a supporting role more often than not. He’s a brilliant finisher and I hope he can get 20 goals again – wherever he plays.
3. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny provided Arsenal with a brick wall-like defensive partnership at the end of last season. Can you see club captain Thomas Vermaelen breaking back into the team – possibly at left back?
The injury he has suffered over the summer has certainly not helped his chances. At some stage I am sure we will see him get a run in the side – but it is concerning that his form dropped so drastically after being given the responsibility as captain. In my opinion this is still a real weak spot that could cost them a title push, they should pay £8million for Ashley Williams to add competition.
4. Arsenal has one of the best academies in the world. With the pressure on clubs to achieve top four greater than ever before, do you see Wenger blooding the new talent from their youth ranks?
It is not going to happen this season because he can’t take the risk. Arsenal have to challenge for the title. If they don’t, Wenger will surely leave. As usual they will use the Carling Cup for youngsters, we’ll see flashes of those who do well from there, but overall it will be the big names they rely on.
5. Jack Wilshere is one of the hottest youth prospects in world football. How do you see him developing over the course of next season and where does his potential place him in 5 years time?
This is a huge season for him in terms of fitness. We all want to see him play every week, so that he grows into a future captain for club and country, and if he can overcome his injury problems he will be England’s best midfielder in five years – no doubt.
6. Now the Emirates Stadium is nearly fully paid off, are we seeing the benefit of a club that has taken a risk on spending big for the future off the pitch?
We haven’t seen any benefits yet, because they have still not made a significant signing and are still not winning trophies. The Emirates is a great stadium, but every fan would choose those Invincible days at Highbury over this dry spell in a pretty arena.
7. With Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain both linked this window, are Arsenal starting to realise the calibre of forward they need to improve the squad with?
It is definitely encouraging that they seem to have some genuine intent in the market when it comes to the biggest names – so let’s hope they finally spend some cash. A proven striker, as well as two other signings, can turn Arsenal into heavyweights.
8. Do you think we could see a situation where Gazidis is willing to spend in the transfer window but finds Wenger less so?
Maybe. This was a big summer for Arsenal and I can’t help but think Wenger has blown it by being too cautious again. He wants value for his money and that, seemingly, is never going to change.
9. Last year, Arsenal had a stand-out performer in Santi Cazorla, who do you think will shine for Arsenal in the upcoming campaign and why?
Olivier Giroud will have a better campaign because he will have settled, but this has the potential to be Jack Wilshere’s year. If he stays fit he will be one of the best players in the division over the next nine months.
10. Realistically, where do you see Arsenal finishing next season? Can they mount a title challenge? Is it finally a year for a cup?
I do think they will win a trophy this season, yes. Maybe the FA Cup. And if they get Suarez and a centre back then they have a chance of competing for the title aswell. If not, it’s fourth place.
Thanks to Dean for answering our questions. You can follow him on Twitter: @DJones_People
