Got a feeling this thread is going to get really busy this month. I know that deep down Wenger knows just how average his current team is. You just have to see his face on the touchline these day. When you think that only Diaby is injured, yet we can only bring on Ramsey and Gervinho from the bench to get us a goal, it really is worrying. Unlike previous seasons, we do not have serious injury problems, we have a near full strength squad to pick from.
Great point. And as bad as we were offensively today it was yet more comical defending that cost us the goal and therefore 2 points, this happens all too frequently and proves the current batch of defensive players we have aren't good enough, if he only signs 2 players I just hope they're world class full backs
I think it's clear that we need to add some quality to this squad. My only concern is that it might not be the easiest time to do it in January. That said, I read an article the other day about how the rest of European football is struggling financially, from the back of over inflated transfers and wages - and are now desperate to sell players that in the past they would have fought tooth and nail for. It's going to be an interesting window.
That's just making excuses for Wengers obvious reluctance to spend. We're in this situation because of bad management. They had all Summer to prepare for the losses of RVP and Song and to strengthen the team. Our league position is the result of Wengers poor judgement and the boards lack of ambition. - Giroud was supposedly brought in to replace RVP - He wont score or create anywhere near as much as the Dutchman. He's a decent squad player and I would be happy to have him as a second choice forward but there's a reason that he never got snatched up by a big club. - Song was never replaced. We badly need a defensive option in midfield. We have improved the creative side of our midfield with the addition of Carzorla (and the return of Wilshere) but how many other TOP clubs would start a Season without an experienced recognised DM in the squad??
Wenger didn't buy another midfielder because for some reason he got it in his head that Diaby would play more than 3 games
Exactly - that's BAD managent though is'nt it? (and Diabys is'nt really even a DM) Its like in 2009-2010 when he decided to hope RVP would get fit rather than buy another striker. (and we ended up playing Arshavin down the middle) Our board certainly deserve criticism but it seems some fans are unwilling to put ANY of our failures on Mr Wenger. It seems to me he is making more mistakes every year. He still has some amazing qualities but I cant help but think of Brian Clough in his final years, stubbornly refusing to change with the times
Ugh. Not keen. Skillful player but lightweight and has a poor goalscoring record. Cant see why someone doesnt try and nab Gonzalo HiguaÃn. Still only 25, Cant be happy on the bench at Real. Llorente would be a good option also.
It depends what you mean by 'realistic' as a club we have money so we could go out and buy someone World Class should we want to. Its all about how conservative we are or wether we are willing to spend. Players we've been linked to.. Adrian - Our most likley option. Skillful little player but a poor goalscoring record. (I'm not convinced, seems very lightweight.) Ba - Looks to be going to Chelsea though. Is he really any better than Giroud? (again.. not convinced) Jovetic - Im sure could be tempted to leave Everton should a decent offer come in. Llorente - Llorente wants out at Bilbao and only has six months left on his current contract (meaning Bilbao will most likley sell him in this Window so he does'nt leave on a free) Benzema/Higuaine - neither are first choice at Real I would imagine both are bored at taking turns coming on as a sub. Wenger has admitted an interest in brining Benzema to Arsenal in the past. I also think he's perfectly suited to our style of play. Cavani - (Super unlikley) Would cost a small fortune so unlikley but the guy is a TOP talent and still at a relatively small club. He will be looking to move. Would be a great signing though. Holtby - Liked to Spurs. The Schalke AM as been fantastic for the last 18 months. Not an area we NEED to strengthen though. Luke Shaw - Looks a quality talent. Fairly likley we will go in for him. Already better than Gibbs at 17.( IMO.) M'Vila - Exactly what we need. Only problem is his attitude. Big, aggressive and technically top notch. Has fallen out with his current club. Lucas Biglia - Could be a bargain. Simular to Flamini but with more flair. Oh yes ..its a slow day at work.
I would say signings that would make me happy would be Nani and Fellani by no means cheap but doable. Other realistic options would be Mvilla Sissoko
There are so many areas to strengthen, it's scary really. LB - Gibbs started the season pretty well but after getting injured he has been pretty bad, teams are just making hay on that left hand side. Seeing as his back up is Santos, this is an area that Wenger needs to look at. CB - TV and Kos together do not work, simple as that. Therefore we need Mertesacker to remain fit or we can buy another CB, who can restore balance and then we will have four pretty good CB's, and do not have to play Kos and TV in the same team. DM/AM - Ramsey and Coquelin have not kicked on and Diaby is Diaby. So that leaves us with Arteta,Cazorla and Wilshere as our only real midfield options. What a sad state affairs that is for a club of size of Arsenal. We need two new players in here. CF - Need another one, that is pretty obvious. Wenger is only using Podolski in the wide areas so that leaves us with Giroud and Walcott. So basically IMO, we need five new players in this transfer window.
I think we'll probably have to make do with the current defence at least until the summer. I know its too much to expect in January but i'd like to see a right sided AM, DM and striker.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8376758/ Not even good enough to make the bench these days, no other choice left.
