Arsenal announced the signings of Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez from La Liga outfits Valencia and Deportivo yesterday.
Some of the key issues regarding Arsenal’s transfer business over the years have been Wenger’s reluctance to spend, his willingness to sign unproven talents and of course the lack of leadership and experience.
The Arsenal manager has not only addressed those issues, he has plugged almost all of the major gaps in his squad this summer.
The North London giants have been crying out for another striker over the last few seasons and Arsene Wenger has finally delivered.
Arsenal have lacked depth in the their striking department since the days of Henry and Reyes. Even when Van Persie was around, the Frenchman had to field makeshift strikers during an injury crisis.
It has been a similar case in the last few years as well. In the absence of Giroud, Walcott and Sanchez have played as strikers.
For the first time in years, Wenger has two recognised goal scorers in his side. And both players are well capable of starting for a Premier League side.
Although it might seem a very low key signing at first, it is important to remember that Perez compliments Arsenal’s style of play and was undoubtedly one of the best strikers in La Liga last season.
Perez can operate as a winger as well as the number in. His ability to cut inside makes him a great option as an inside forward as well. Despite his weaknesses in the air, Perez makes up for it with his eye for goal and his hold up play in and around the box.
Arsenal have yearned for a clinical presence upfront ever since Robin Van Persie left for Manchester United. Perez will not only contribute to their build-up play, the Spaniard can also finish off the chances.
Also with Ozil, Cazorla, Ramsey and Sanchez in behind him Perez will have a lot of chances to showcase his finishing skills this season.
As for Mustafi, the German international will add much-needed depth to Arsenal’s injury-prone backline. The Gunners are in a bit of a crisis after the likes of Gabriel and Mertesacker picked up injuries at the start of the season.
Mustafi will not only provide solid cover alongside Koscielny, his versatility will prove to be an invaluable asset for Wenger if and when he needs cover at the full back positions.
The German can operate as a centre-back or a right-back. He can also fill in as a makeshift defensive midfielder.
Earlier this summer, Arsenal sealed a mega-money move for Granit Xhaka. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder addresses another major weakness at the club.
Arsenal have often been bullied at the centre of the park due to the absence of a combative central midfielder and the Switzerland international is just that.
Apart from his excellent passing range and positioning, Xhaka offers a powerful presence and impressive defensive contribution.
Alongside someone like Cazorla, the former Bundesliga star could lay the foundations of a very good midfield.
Another addition this summer was that of the young and talented defender Rob Holding. The former Bolton youth star attracted a lot of interest with his mature performances in the Championship and could prove to be a shrewd acquisition in future.
The likes of Mustafi and Xhaka will add much-needed leadership on and off the pitch apart from their undoubted quality. Both players have played a key role in the dressing room for their former clubs and will be expected to do the same at Emirates now.
Overall it has been Arsenal’s best window in the last few years, in terms of incomings. If Wenger can shift the fringe players before the transfer window closes tonight, their business summer will have been exemplary.
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