Arsenal fans have been reassured by their manager that the club are ready to splash the cash on suitable candidates and he has reiterated that they have already spent more than the likes of Manchester City this summer. While this is a feeble defence in light of the accusations of the fans, who fear the club are going to have a repeat of every transfer window where they fail to go all out for their target and hence end up being short in area or the other, it is reassuring to an extent knowing Arsenal are out there scouring the market for their suitable candidates.
Their public pursuit of Jamie Vardy ended in rejection and also the inability to move fast or with incision reportedly made them lose out on N’Golo Kante but they have finally beefed up in the middle of the park after having signed Granit Xhaka in a deal believed to be around £34m. The Swiss international will add much required grit and determination in the midfield which has forever been the Achilles heel for the current generation of Arsenal players.
Another area which needs reinforcements, as evident to the whole footballing world, is a striker who can perform on a consistent basis. While Giroud is by no means a poor striker, his inconsistency and finishing have been repeatedly questioned and fans believe it is about time Wenger provided his world-class attacking players the finisher they deserve. While the whole scenario might seem dramatic, it is the exact condition fans find themselves in.
While Wenger’s repeated complaints about the inflated market and absurd wage demands have authenticity, his unwillingness to take risks in the market has visibly been hurting the team’s chances in recent years. But Arsenal seem close to signing a striker this summer and although they have missed out on their top-target Higuain, they are reportedly on the verge of making a move for Alexandre Lacazette. They have also been linked with Leicester City’s enigmatic winger Riyad Mahrez but will have to show more urgency in both the cases. Recent reports have indicated Arsenal are ready to sanction £75m for the aforementioned players but face expected resistance in terms of Leicester and Lyon, who will try to keep their star men at all costs.
Considering Wenger manages to pull off this enviable transfer coup, teams will consider Arsenal as strong title contenders in the upcoming season.
The Emirates outfit will most likely line-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Petr Cech will start in goal with a familiar back four of Bellerin, Koscielny, Mertesacker and Monreal. Mertesacker has been named as the new captain after Arteta’s departure but it is believed he will gradually have a lesser role to play as the season goes on.
The double-pivot will most likely consist of Xhaka and Ramsey. While the attacking triumvirate behind the striker will be formed by Sanchez, Ozil and Mahrez with Lacazette up top.
