Arsenal have had a decent transfer window, by their standards. Normally, the onset of the summer signifies the end of at least one big-name player’s career at the Emirates. The Gunners have though, managed to retain all their stars this year, whilst also adding to the squad by signing three talented players in Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and Alexis Sanchez.
Along with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have also strengthened. While Arsene Wenger’s men look good to guarantee a top-4 finish despite intense competition, a bid for the Premier League title looks just a step too far for them at the moment.
The midfield and strike force need to be much stronger if Arsenal want to go all the way in challenging City and Chelsea. Their FA Cup victory last year was their first piece of silverware in 9 seasons, and Wenger must now take full advantage and scoop up the players available in the transfer window to avoid another drought.
Here are 3 players Arsenal must sign if they want to challenge for the Premier League this season:
1) Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)
The German midfielder wants out of Real Madrid. His manager Carlo Ancelotti confirmed yesterday that he has rejected a new deal. Arsenal’s current defensive midfield position is occupied by Mikel Arteta, and the Spaniard is hardly an ideal choice in that position. The Gunners need someone much more commanding and ferocious, and Khedira fits the bill perfectly. He is also capable of scoring goals from time to time.
There has been a lot of speculation between the two parties, but it is now imperative that Wenger pushes the deal through. A defending Champions League and World Cup winner, Khedira will add quality, experience and combativeness to a midfield that still lacks a genuine leader.
2) Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United)
A proven Premier League midfielder, Tiote offers similar qualities to Khedira, but will come in much cheaper than the German. Arsenal should though, try and sign both players and facilitate a complete overhaul in midfield. Tiote and Khedira playing together will almost be impenetrable in front of the back 4, and both of them can distribute the ball well and start attacks. Arsenal fans know only too well than Tiote can also score a scorcher when needed; the Ivory Coast international came up with a stunning equaliser as Newcastle fought back from 4-0 down to earn a point against the Gunners in 2011.
3) Edinson Cavani (PSG)
A move for Cavani would be the most blockbuster transfer of all, but unfortunately, it is also the least likely among the ones mentioned. There was a lot of speculation as recently as a week back regarding Arsenal’s close interest in the Uruguayan, but that has died down since. Cavani won’t come cheap, with PSG demanding an amount in the range of €80 million.
But with Olivier Giroud and Yaya Sanogo the only striking options with Wenger at the moment, many fans feel that the club should break the bank to land a world-class forward. Cavani is very much available this summer, and a move to the Premier League looks the most likely.
Giroud’s consistency and quality is questionable, and he is certainly not the striker to win the Gunners the league. Cavani, on the other hand, is one of the best in the world.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
