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With this series InTheStands asses and predicts the transfermations (Transfers / transformations) that each Premiership club will go through during the summer…starting with Arsenal.
Where they stand:
After a disappointing conclusion to their season, Arsenal must use their pre-season and the increased financial support from Stan Kroenke to fortify a young and under-experienced squad.
Who They Need:
The necessity for a ‘Patrick Viera’ replacement is a forged one. In midfield Arsenal are fine – if not overcrowded – with fridge players such as Denilson, Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby, offering very little in terms of top three class. Arsene will only strengthen in this area if these players depart and if there star players; Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and/ or Andri Arsharvin decide to leave. In that case Arsene may want to set his sights on Yann M’Villa, Eden Hazard and/or Marik Hamsik, whowould all be fine additions.
It is Arsenal’s rear guard that needs some serious renovation. Sébastien Squillaci – although it appeared to be an inspired acquisition at first –has failed to live up to the vigorous pace of the Premier League and should be seen as surplus to requirements, whereas, Thomas Vermaelen appears more crooked that Darren Anderton.
As for Arsenal’s other centre-backs; Johan Djourou and Laurent Koscielny, they have shown glimpses of promise, but on the whole they have lacked consistency – essential for any defender. If you believe the hype it looks as if Arsenal have gone in search of leadership and experience with vice captains and Premier League advocates; Christopher Samba and Gary Cahill both in ‘advanced talks’ to join the London club. If you don’t believe the hype, Frenchman Mamadou Sakho, 21, is another possible candidate.
On the left, Gael Clichy’s position at the club looks increasingly unstable. But I don’t feel Arsenal fans should worry. Okay, he is an enthusiastic and combinative defender with a willingness to go forward, but he lacks the positional awareness and ability to play the offside trap, rendering him a liability at times. Leighton Baines would be an ideal replacement.
Up front, Arsenal would never have to worry if Robin Van Persie stayed fit – this is however not the case. Arsenal have already required Gervinho, or so it seems – who can play up-front and on the wing, whereas Nikolas Bendtner and Carlos Vela will almost certainly be elsewhere next season. Perhaps Arsenal should also have a serious look at Conor Wickham.
It is also worth noting that Arsenal have a phenomenal amount of talent at the club. Eighteen year-old winger Ryo Miyaichi impressing on loan at Feyenoord last season and might feature more for Arsenal in this one. And a potential a-la-Wilshere loan deal to Bolton for defender Ignasi Miquel might be yet another masterstroke from the Arsenal manager.
Likely Like up Next season: 4-3-3
GK: Wojciech Szczęsny, LB: Leighton Baines, CB: Gary Cahill, CB: Thomas Vermaelen, RB: Bacary Sagna; DMC: Alex Song, CM: Jack Whilshere, CM: Aaron Ramsey/ Cesc Fabregas; LW: Samir Nasri/ Eden Hazard, RW: Theo Walcott, FW: Robin Van Persie
Subs:
Kieran Gibbs, Christopher Samba, Gervinho, Johan Djourou, Yann M’Villa, Łukasz Fabiański, Henri Lansbury, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
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