It’s no surprise that Arsene Wenger is looking forward to the upcoming summer transfer window following a disappointing season which has seen Arsenal miss out on a Champions League spot for the first time in 22 years.
In his post-match interview following the 3-1 victory against Everton, Wenger came out in support of his players, playing down the need for massive changes at The Emirates, stating “I think this group of players is good enough to come back.”
He did, however, concede that additions to the squad would be needed to compete with the likes of Chelsea for the league next year by saying “First I think we have to keep 90% of these players together and find one or two more who strengthen the group”.
So who exactly has Mr Wenger got in mind to improve his current squad?
The first thing he will need to do is to hold onto Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Özil, without whom a title push would be increasingly arduous.
With Sead Kolasinac looking more and more likely to be playing for Arsenal next year, attention should divert away from a new full-back and towards Arsenal’s other urgent positions; a central midfielder, a centre back ans a striker.
Arsenal have great depth in all three positions but are lacking in surefire quality. One potential target could be Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez.
The 25-year-old Colombian is coming off the back of a season where he was involved in 24 goals, (11 G, 13 A) in 33 games. He could provide Arsenal with another innovative midfielder which they were desperately lacking this season.
Arsenal had the second highest conversion rate (19%) in the Premier League this season but the fifth highest goal haul (77) highlighting a clear lack of goal scoring opportunities, a gap in which Rodriguez could walk into the starting XI and fill.
Looking further up the pitch towards a striker, whilst Arsenal do have the likes of Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck at their disposal, the former lacks the conviction of a world class centre forward and the latter simply is not productive enough when he does feature, registering a meagre tow goals and two assists across 15 games in the Premier League this season. One potential improvement could be Edison Cavani.
Not an unfamiliar name to Arsenal fans, he’s been heavily linked with the club over the past few transfer windows and with good reason. He’s in flying form, totalling 35 domestic goals this season, beating off hot property and fellow Arsenal target Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette, however, looks set for a move to Atletico Madrid and Cavani would be a better fit for Arsenal’s current squad as he provides a lethal aerial threat that is otherwise lacking, as well as a potent finisher inside the box.
The defence remained at the core of Arsenal’s woes this season, with their centre backs being found to be lacking despite the addition of Shkrodan Mustafi and Rob Holding. Arsenal had the 7th best defence this season in terms of goals conceded, allowing 44 opposition goals.
Arsenal haven’t been shy about their interest in Roma defender Kostas Manolas, who looks set to be one of Europe’s best central defenders. If you aren’t familiar with Manolas, his playing style is very similar to current Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny.
Both are incredibly quick in tracking down attackers and both are not afraid to slide into challenges where necessary. One slight concern over Manolas is his record in the Champions League, most memorably so in the 6-1 defeat against Barcelona.
Whilst it is unfair to place the blame solely on his shoulders, his role does cast some doubt over his ability at the top flight. At 21 years of age, however, it would be difficult to pass up on Manolas. He’s comfortable and confident on the ball, he has experience in Europe’s top flight and he is a vocal leader that Arsenal currently lack.
Amidst all of this speculation the only thing that can be said for certain is that Wenger will be a very busy man during this summer’s transfer window.
