But with one
games left, Arsenal are in the driving seat for third place and guaranteed
Champions League football (and its money).
This crazy season still has some twists and turns in store, we can be
sure of that. Still, Wenger has brought
back the club for 17th place in September and deserves plaudits for
this accomplishment.
Assuming
that Arsenal can secure a top three spot in the remaining games, then the next
question is how this summer will play out.
Reinforcements are needed, and some names (cough: Park) look set to
leave.
Gooners love
to speculate about the transfer window, always thinking this will be the year Wenger
finally opens his pursestrings. The
signs are positive so far, with Podolski (the German Thunder) already signed
and journalists saying a deal for M’Vila is almost completed. It looks as though Wenger is learning from
last year’s mishaps. Still, more must be
done and here are four realistic targets for this summer window.
Olivier
Giroud
Jamie Sanderson
(Arsenal blogger extraordinaire) recently suggested Oliver Giroud could head to
London this summer. If it happens, it
would be a fantastic move for the Gunners offense.
Giroud, an
imposing 6’4” French striker, has had another impressive season for Montpellier
as they challenge for the Ligue 1 title.
Something of a late bloomer, possibly in the mold of good friend Laurent
Koscielny, Giroud would be an important addition for Wenger’s side.
The striker
has scored 19 league goals this campaign, chipping in with 8 assists. And, although some Gooners might be wary of another
Ligue 1 forward who is strong in the air (see: Chamakh), Giroud has an
impressive blend of strength and technique which would allow him to flourish in
the EPL.
If van
Persie stays, and Podolski arrives, some may see Giroud as unnecessary. Adding the powerful striker, however, would
allow more forward rotation and greater flexibility—as the captain could play a
more withdrawn role.
It is tough
to predict whether Wenger will move for Giroud.
Still, if van Persie stays he is fantastic cover; if he leaves then the
French striker suddenly becomes a priority.
Craig Gordon
Arsenal will
likely be in the market for an experienced goalkeeper this summer with the
departure of Manuel Almunia and possibly Lukas Fabianski. Although Wojchech Szczesny is establishing
himself as the clear number one at the Emirates, it is imperative that Wenger
provide depth and competition behind the Polish stopper. This is where Craig Gordon comes in.
The Scottish
goalkeeper has been highly rated from a young age, widely touted as a future
star before his move to Sunderland.
Injuries, however, have stunted his career and he now resides as back-up
at the Stadium of Light. With his
contract expiring this summer, it seems Gordon will be on the move.
Gordon would
be a fantastic addition for the Gunner squad.
His experience and unquestioned talent—when healthy—would provide
Szczesny with the necessary competition.
Moreover, Wenger loves a bargain and a free transfer makes his move even
more appealing for the French manager.
I think it
is highly likely Wenger moves for a goalkeeper this summer and, at the moment,
Gordon seems the most sensible option.
Clint
Dempsey
One of the
most overlooked players this season has been Clint Dempsey. While not operating as an out and out
striker, he has still scored 16 league goals in 2011-2012.
Is it
because he plays for Fulham? Maybe cause
he is American? I don’t know why, but
that’s beside the point. Clint Dempsey
is an impressive and versatile Premier League attacker and could be a target
for Arsenal this summer. The Mail are
reporting that Arsenal are interested, and with only one year left on his
contract a move is very possible.
Arsenal’s
main offensive deficiencies this year have been their inability to breakdown
defenses—either dribbling by or passing through—and an overreliance on van
Persie for goals.
While many
Gooners want highly-rated targets such as Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard, it seems
unlikely either will move to the Emirates.
Clint Dempsey, however, offers a cheaper and more experienced—though
admittedly less explosive—option.
The American
is able to play a variety of positions—out wide, attacking midfielder, or even
striker. He has shown he is able to bang
in the goals in Premier League, and at 29 he has to move now if he wants
Champions League football.
Although I
think Dempsey is viewed as a secondary option for Wenger, and could be priced
too high by Fulham, a move for the American is still possible this summer. Dempsey would provide valuable depth and
versatility, as well as the ability to lighten some of van Persie’s
goal-scoring burden.
Jan
Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen is an imposing Belgian defender who would
add steel and leadership to the Arsenal back line next season. And,
encouragingly, as he enters the final year of contract, the center-back has
made overtures to Arsenal recently.
Discouragingly, it seems Tottenham are also well-positioned for
Vertonghen.
Vertonghen and Vermaelen are good friends from their Ajax
time together, as well as the Belgian national team. The Ajax defender is
club captain, who possesses fantastic aerial ability while also comfortable
bringing the ball out of the back. In times of need, moreover, he has
filled in at left-back or defensive midfield.
This versatility, leadership, and strength would be a
great addition to the Arsenal back line. With Sebastian Squillaci almost
certain to leave in the summer, and Djourou’s future unclear, Vertonghen would
provide depth for the Gunner defense.
The early signs were positive, with Vertonghen declaring
his interest in a move to Arsenal. Although some question whether moving
for another center-back, with Vermaelen, Koscielny and Per already
established, Arsenal has proven time and again that injuries will arrive.
It can only help to have added competition and depth.
However, over the past few weeks it has seemed less likely
that Vertongen will head to Arsenal as valid concerns about playing time
arise. Still, it will probably depend on
how this Sunday pans out—as with all these transfers.
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