GK: Almunia/Fabianski/Vito Mannone
RB:Sagna/Eboue CB:Vermaelen/Gallas/Djorou/Senderos LB:Clichy/Gibbs/Traore
DM:Song/Denilson/Diaby
LM:Walcott/Nasri/CM:Fabregas/Wilshere/Ramsey RM:Arshavin/Rosicky
SS:Van Persie/Vela
Striker: Eduardo/Bendtner
Now, to analyse what Arsenal really needs as means, let us clarify to what end. In my opinion, if all of these players start this season, without injuries, we almost have enough depth to challenge for the Premier League title. Why? Because with Arshavin's arrival, the team found a much needed proven goal scorer and a winner in the mould of the great Dennis Bergkamp. Since his arrival, Arsenal lost just one game in the premier league to Chelsea (a game in which coincidentally he did not play).
Now my assumption is that the team is only going to improve in the next season, with Eduardo, Van Persie and Walcott all scoring more goals than before. Additionally, Bendtner will also come into the foray. Also, Song has already shown tremondous improvement and will only improve further. Thus, all will be right with the world and humanity will survive and Arsenal will be title winners. Sounds Utopic indeed, however there is a small matter of a what if?
What if, Diaby, Song, Denilson and Djorou remain on status quo or even worsen? What if Eduardo and Rosicky along with the now injured Nasri remain an injury prone lot? What if Vermaelen was a mistake.. especially since his lack of height is also a point of contention what with our existing vulnerability in set-pieces? This season, there are too many such glaring questions which cannot be left unanswered. And with depth being such a contentious issue already with the Arsenal side, we must recruit.
Now that we have established the 'why', let us consider the 'how'. Arsene has always mantained a neat balance of books with his proceeds from sales always exceeding his cost of purchases. So far Arshavin and Vermaelen are the only purchases this year, bringing their combined cost to somehwere around 27 million pounds. On the sales of Adebayor and Toure he has made 40 million pounds. Which provides him with 13 million pounds, along with another 5 million from the sale of Senderos which I personally think is inevitable as neither Arsene wants him to stay and neither is Senderos intending to extend his time in the Emirates. This gives us a combined number of 18 million pounds. Now I personally would love to be proven wrong here but I dont think he is spending anything more than this.
Finally, let us have a look at the positions where we need to add muscle. On the attacking midfielders front, I think we have a spectacular lot, and with Wilshere showing promise in the pre season, we really do not need to worry here. Almost all of the lot can play well with both their feet as well, so a problem on one flank can be replaced with solutions from the other. Arshavin and Nasri already do this during games to disarm defenders.
We have a brilliant bunch of second strikers as well in the form of Vela, Van Persie and Eduardo along with Arshavin and Walcott, both of whom have expressed a desire to play through the centre. In defence, I think we have 5 of the best right and left backs in the world in the form of Eboue, Sagna, Clichy, Gibbs and Traore. I really hope that Arsene does not give away Eboue, because even though he might not be first choice, he is still breathtaking on a good day and is a great super sub.
Our fullbacks are questionable due to their lack of height, however, Vermaelen has been praised by Bergkamp and has also captained the Ajax side, making him a very promising prospect. Also Djorou is brilliant in flashes; A little consistency could take him a long way. With Gallas and Song as additional forces, I think we can await till January to take a call on whether or not reinforcements are needed.
Now come the two areas where I personally (and the rest of the Gunners) think immediate attention is required: The positions of the defending midfielder and holding striker. Now as much as we might have faith in both these departments, the existing bunch have not shown enough reason for us to show great faith in them.
In the DM role Song has improved in his tackling, but is very inconsistent with his passes. Diaby and Denilson to me are both more of Fabregas with less in passing and more in tackling briliance as neither really prefer to stay back or retrace steps with as much vigour as a Gilberto or a Flamini. Thereby making this the most important of all poitions to be filled up.
Another important position which has a void is the striker's role. I personally think Bendtner can be a legend in the making and another holding striker's purchase would be an increment in depth and would make the position more competitive. But even if I were wrong, a strong holding striker, with a good temparament and good finishing skills will be a must. Someone who can power through defenders and has enough skill to not be caught offside all the time would be preferable.
Anyways thats my thought on the whys, whats and wheres..... Check back on the 'who-s' soon enough. I have a few theories and any comments prior to my penultimate article about Arsenal before the transfer season ends would be most welcome...
