Wengers constantly comes out with, "we will only buy if it will improve the team" etc etc. Along with this yearly statement, Gazidis has publicly stated we now have the financial clout to match the big players and that we could comfortably afford and indeed surpass someone like Rooneys wages.
So this "super quality" that Arsene's been looking for, up top we have Lewandowski, one year remaining, wants Bayern potentially, but Dortmund would be keen to sell. Great striker, for what would be a reasonable price.
Jackson Martinez, release clause of £34m (apparently) scored for fun last season, looks perfect for the prem and would suit our style. And now, Falcao is potentially back on the market, £50m for the worlds top striker. Astronomical wages, but we can afford it can't we Ivan? Any of these 3 would fire 20+ goals next season.
Other critical positions, we are being linked this morning with a new bid for Lars bender. GOOD! Great player in an area of the team we have been crying out for, for 6 years! £18m failed earlier in the summer, they have now bought a top youngster from Bayern in that position. Replacement? Go back with £25m and see what happens
We need more depth in defence and potentially out wide with the Ox now out.
And what happened to our pragmatic and solid style of play that took us to an unbeaten end of season, and 8 wins in 10? It was clearly successful so what the fudge happened yesterday?!?!
Invest now, and reap the rewards...
posted on 18/8/13
Our style of play last season is not sustainable. That was a desperate scramble of a finish.
Lewandowski and Bender would be a dream but we also need to plunder teams for other players. Howedes would be the perfect buy to my mind. He can play CB, LB, RB, CDM and at CM. Also will push Mertesacker for a start. Probably will beat him eventually too.
We should also sign De Sciglio, we need another body at LB/RB.
None of this will happen. It require us spending some money.
posted on 18/8/13
And what happened to our pragmatic and solid style of play that took us to an unbeaten end of season, and 8 wins in 10?
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In short, no Arteta. No defensive midfielder is such a glaring issues highlighted every time he's out, even though that's not the position he should be playing - but such is our reluctance to replace players, God forbid that we might strengthen on top of that.
posted on 18/8/13
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posted on 18/8/13
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posted on 18/8/13
Its not only that we need a replacement for Arteta. We need to replace Mertesacker and Chesney as well.
posted on 18/8/13
Results like yesterday show how important Arteta is. Without him, we are always prone to counter attacks
posted on 18/8/13
We should go in hard for Bender now. He was the first player this summer we had any substancial link to, so getting him now wouldn't feel so much like a reactionary signing - even if it were.
With AOC out for... well, who knows how long? we should go for Remy Cabella to add a bit of pace and trickery out wide. A risk it's true, but then that's the territory we operate in in the transfer market most of the time these days anyway.
After that, see if we can resurrect the deal with Malaga for Jesus Gamez - though I read this morning Arsenal were considering sending Jenkinson out on loan? - and get shot of Bendtner at the same time.
Not sure who I'd go for up front? Lewandowski would be a dream, but I think we've done more than enough dreaming this summer.
Time for (re)action!
posted on 18/8/13
That midfield position is most vital atm. Bender would be absolutely beautiful.
posted on 18/8/13
Who knows what targets Wenger is pursuing. One thing is for sure, as it was at the end of last season. We need a new spine of the team. We need a goalkeeper, a centre back, a holding midfield player and a striker.