Arsenal’s targets

Thursday, 13/05/2010

If Arsenal had not received such a horrific series of injuries things may have been different come the end of the season, writes Andrew McCarthy.

The performances of star striker Robin Van Persie since his return are a measure of what The Gunners were missing. But, even with a relatively injury free 2010-11 campaign, the current crop would still fall short.

Champions Chelsea boast one of the best squads in world football, Manchester United are bitter about finishing second, Spurs are officially a  ‘big four’ side and Manchester City are certain to vent their frustrations at coming fifth by throwing around silly amounts of money to entice the world’s finest talent.

Arsene Wenger’s side are in desperate need of a new spine if a realistic challenge for the game’s top honours is to be mounted…

Goalkeepers

The possibility of having to start the season relying on either Manuel Almunia or Lukasz Fabianski is unthinkable. Almunia falls just short of being top-class and Fabianski’s inadequacies have been well documented. Almunia would make a fantastic number two and we simply cannot afford to rely on Fabianski.

Wojciech Szczesny has received rave reviews during his loan at Brentford and although he’s probably better than Fabianski, it will be more beneficial for his development to stay at Griffin Park next season.

I would like to see Joe Hart, Rob Green or even a veteran such as Gianluigi Buffon (pictured) from Juventus brought in.

Defence 

The likes of Gael Clichy, Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna are certain to keep their places. It is promising to see Johan Djourou return to fitness and will provide back up at centre-half. But we can no longer rely on Mikael Silvestre and after Sol Campbell has signed a year extension, it looks as though William Gallas will seek a deal elsewhere.

A proven world-class centre-half is required. It may be a case of the boss unearthing another bargain, as he did with Vermaelen although Bolton’s Gary Cahill is a potential target, as is Dynamo Kiev’s Pape Diakhate.

Midfield

With the exception of the incomparable Cesc Fabregas, the outstanding midfield performer was Alex Song, who should maintain his place in the side. Andrey Arshavin can sometimes go missing for long periods of a game but his ability to produce the winner and glimpses of pure genius make him a certain starter. Aaron Ramsey’s performances were above expectation and he will one day be world-class. The best is yet to come from Samir Nasri and Denilson. But Abou Diaby is brilliant one minute, then dire the next; Rosicky is too injury prone and Theo Walcott more often than not runs into people and loses possession. His pace is a valuable asset to the squad.

We need a complete midfielder with box-to-box and ball-winning capabilities plus an ability to maintain possession and read the game.

Targets: Filipe Melo of Juventus or St Etienne’s Blaise Matuidi

Strikers

With the arrival of Marouane Chamakh imminent, it is likely the Morocco striker will be the only addition in this area. He could form a formidable partnership with the outstanding Robin van Persie. Whilst Nicklas Bentdner performed very well when called upon during the season, he is still a back up and must work harder. There are doubts over Eduardo’s future and while Carlos Vela has oozed class against lower opposition in the Carling Cup, he has not done enough to prove himself. This could this pave the way for the addition of Carlton Cole from West Ham.

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