There can be no illusions that the once great Arsenal are on somewhat of a downward spiral. No trophies in 8 years and counting, star players leaving for pastures new every season, disgruntled fans, board members who could do a better job with a budget than the current Chancellor of the Exchequer and a manger that once, a pioneer of the modern British game now seems to have lost his way. Doesn't make for good reading, and I'm an Arsenal fan.
The one thing Arsenal do have is money in their coffers that needs to be spent. The figure of ?70 million has been thrown around in most publications, how much of that will be available should the club fail to qualify for the Champions League is a different story.
Arsenal need to enter the forthcoming transfer market with looking to strengthen in key areas? Here is a list of the four players that Wenger should be looking to purchase.
Defender: Ashley Wiliams Swansea
Williams has been playing well all season and his defencive partnership with Chico have helped Swansea into 9th spot in the league and also lift the league cup earlier this month. His performances haven't gone unnoticed by prospecting buyers. It was reported in the Daily Mail that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Williams and could possibly make a bid in the summer. With captain Thomas Vermarlin out of favour and Per Mertesacker slower than a turtle in reverse. The tough tackling Willams would be a great addition to help shore up Arsenals defence and a partnership with Laurent Koschelny could well be on the cards.
Defensive Midfielder: Kevin Strootman PSV
Arsenal never truly replaced Patrick Viera after he left for Juventus. Strootman could be just that replacement. At 6.1 he is a presence and would offer the much needed steel in the centre of the park and at the same time be the clean up guy in front of the back four. Purchasing Strootman would mean extra space for Jack Wilshire to roam further forward without having to bust a gut to get back and defend, thus stopping Wilshire from burning out. Over the last few seasons Strootman has been scoring more goals and creating more chances all from a deep lying position.
Striker: Stefan Jovetic
Young, powerful and a quality finisher. Jovetic at 23 has the potential to become a world beater. He is one of the hottest strikers in Italy averaging a goal every other game in Seria A and has been on Arsenals radar since last summer. Since their talisman Henry left, Arsenal have been to indecisive in front of goal, often deciding to try and walk the ball into the back of the net. Jovetic could be the key to change this and provide much needed goals to help the club win an all important trophy. For this transfer to become reality Arsenal need to qualify for the Champions League and also smash their transfer record of ?15 million paid for Andrei Arsarvin.
Winger/Striker: Alexis Sanchez Barcelona
Sanchez has seen limited game time since his move from Udinese two years ago. Was Sanchez a player Barcelona really needed or did they buy him just so rival clubs couldn't? Whatever their reasons, they have not utilised his true potential, thus his frustration. It seems that Sanchez himself has now had enough and seems ever closer to leaving at the end of the season. Arsen Wenger should break the bank to sign a player who could be their very own Gareth Bale. Alexi Sanchez has great dribbling ability and his direct approach is what Arsenal need. His former sporting director Fabrizo Larini was quo was quoted in saying that ?Sanchez needs to play the ball on the ground just like Arsenal. That would be his ideal game?. Sound promising, but once again the chances of getting Sanchez rely on Arsenal qualification for the Champions League.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG