Arsenal has given Arsene Wenger a £70 million war chest to spend on transfers but he is yet to spend. With the transfer window coming to a close on August 31st, time is running out for Wenger to make a significant move.
Wenger has two options to improve his squad. He can either spend big or get a world-class player like Liverpool’s Luis Suarez or he can buy a multitude of lesser known players to strengthen his squad.
The first option of bringing in the oft-maligned and controversial Suarez would put the Gooners into the position of title contenders right away.
His goal scoring is what Arsenal have lacked since Robin Van Persie left for hated rivals Manchester United two seasons ago. Suarez would have plenty of service up front with the playmakers Arsenal have in the midfield.
Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, and Mikel Arteta would finally have a reliable target up who will score goals from their threw passes to offload one of their strikers Arsenal should make a move for undervalued Juventus F.C. striker Alessandro Matri.
Matri is a quick physical striker who likes to play the fluid type of football. With his pace and ability to play quick fluid football Matri would be a perfect fit for Wenger’s style of play.
A true defensive midfielder is also a major need for Arsenal this season.
Arteta covers well for now, but he would be much better suited to play alongside a true defensive mid so he can pick out the long penetrating balls he is known for playing. Lars Bender of Bayer Leverkusen would be the perfect addition.
Though he would cost around €20 million Euros he would be well worth it. His great tacking and high defensive work rate would make for a great improvement in the midfield. He was fourth in the Bundesliga in tackles per game, with 4.1 a game.
Also, his Bender’s long cutting runs and deep passing ability would greatly help Arsenal’s strikers.
Center back is another area of concern for the Gunners this season as Thomas Vermaelen fractured his back and is out at least six more weeks before he can even start training. Bacary Sagna could be used to fill in at center back as he has done it before but that would leave the outside backs very thin.
Ashley Williams of Swansea has been linked to Arsenal for some time. Williams would add depth to a thin Arsenal back line. His ability to play in the center and on the outside would give Wenger many options for his starting back four.
Williams is valued at 10 million euros so this would be a cheap improvement to the squad.
With only two goalkeepers in the squad Arsenal must go after another quality keeper to challenge Wojciech Szczeny. Rene Adler Germany’s one time number one goalie has been linked with Arsenal.
Adler who plays with HSV would be a step up in class from the two keepers on the roster now.
Also, Hamburg has been known to sell before a player’s contract is close to expiring, which is good because his contract runs through 2017.
Whichever way Wenger decides to spend his cash will greatly improve the club. Spending big on Suarez will improve the Gunners attacking enormously and make them a contender for the Barclays title.
Spending less money on multiple players at a variety of positions will improve the entire team.
This may not make the Gunners title contenders this year but it will set them up to bring in someone special in the next transfer window which would almost guarantee them a shot at the Premier League crown.
First thing is first; Wenger and the Arsenal board must spend money to improve the squad.