According to ESPN Soccernet, Arsenal have officially signed Ivory Coast international, Gervinho from Lille (France). This striker has been added to the team as a player who can add a sufficient punch to the Gunner’s attack. As we saw in his debut he scored 2 goals within 15 minutes, a feat worthy of praise even if Lionel Messi did it. However, with the not so surprising saga of Fabregas and Nasri, why would the Gunners add to the end of their attack?
If the middle of their attack and their only two true distributors of the ball decide to leave, who will fill in for them? It is debatable if Denilson could have filled in but the debate quickly ends with his return home to Sao Paulo on loan. It could be possible that Diaby joins Song in midfield but that still lacks attacking depth. If Gervinho is going to be their top striker, I would have to say that Robin van Persie must either play the left side of attack of a central position.
Let’s assume he plays the left side, being left footed and Arsenal having the luxury of Walcott on the right. This will force Arsenal to play Diaby through the middle with Wilshere and Song. Song and Diaby do have attacking sense (Diaby more of it but they are both quite lacking) and Wilshere as good as he is, is still learning the Premier League way of playing football. So, our problem now is Diaby’s position. Is a transfer needed to add talent?
Simply, yes it is. Arsenal is not the team of depth that we saw in 2004’s “Invincible Season.” With Eboue being used as a fill in for Sagna and Walcott, Diaby a starter, and questions with the centre backs and left back, a transfer or two must be done. So where can we look?
Does anybody remember the name Keisuke Honda? Hm? During last year’s tail end of the season, it was rumored to be that Honda was a prime player in the eyes of Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger. Upon further review (by me) I believe Honda is a fairly natural fit and replacement for Nasri. Now for Fabregas. I believe that Joey Barton of Newcastle or even (if at all possible) Scot Parker of West Ham. Both of these players have performed wonderfully in the BPL and Parker’s team West Ham had just been relegated which could become a positive for a BPL team trying to attain his talents. Also, Gael Clichy has traded his much nicer Arsenal jersey for a Manchester City jersey which leaves Arsenal with youngster Kieran Gibbs. Gibbs is a very good left back for his age but he still needs time to develop his skills and mental strength for the game. I believe that when possible, a transfer should be done with a player that is within the same league as you (which shows how much I believe in Honda). Therefore, my left back answer for Arsenal is Kieran Richardson of Sunderland. Richardson is a scrappy player who is also speedy; a bit of both of the Gunners’ needs. And finally, center backs. Arsenal was not able to have a consistent back line last year due to injuries. I believe the back two should be Vermaelen and Djourou. But, Djourou cannot be a starter just yet, he is very inconsistent. Arsenal has been linked with the likes of Jagielka and Cahill recently so I will not use their names although I would be excited to see Jagielka in an Arsenal uniform. Other than those two, I would recommend Arsenal try and get Vicente Kompany (a fellow Belgian to Vermaelen) or Roger Johnson of the recently relegated Birmingham club. Kompany will add a physicality that can be backed up. Johnson will add intensity than can match even Vermaelen’s own intensity.
I understand the Arsenal is not the United States government and therefore cannot print however much money they need. As a result, my top two “must see” transfers are center back and center midfield and both must be smart and physical players.
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