Despite going ahead and signing a two-year contract extension against everyone’s wish, Arsene Wenger finds himself in deep waters with many even claiming that the French manager will be forced to step down next season itself if he doesn’t manage a major silverware.
This would be the second year that the Frenchman is getting some financial liberties after a decade of tremendous restraints on that front. And Arsenal did bring in some quality players in Granit Xhaka, Lucas Perez and Shkodran Mustafi last summer, giving enough indication that they would go a step further this time.
Wenger has been sanctioned a huge transfer budget now, and the weekly links with some of the top players in the world are definitely encouraging. However, their exclusion from the Champions League could be a huge hindrance in landing their cherished targets and Wenger’s reputation would have to play a huge factor here.
Here are the 3 Arsenal should target this summer-
James Rodriguez- Arsene Wenger knows well that a hefty wage structure won’t be enough to keep Alexis Sanchez in the club next season. What Arsenal really lack is star players, if compared to the other title challengers ahead of them, and the 67-year-old has to bring in exactly that to appease all.
James Rodriguez has a long-term admirer in the Frenchman and Arsenal’s willingness to bring him is clear. The Colombian playmaker could bring in the much-needed competition in the attacking third for Mesut Ozil, and his abilities from outside the box are unparalleled. He would be a statement-making signing.
Mario Lemina- It seems that no number of midfielders would be just enough for Arsenal to endure an entire season. Xhaka’s consistent performances throughout the season have been a rare positive last season and Wenger has to make sure he gets the right partner to play with.
Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny and Santi Cazorla’s injury and Francis Coquelin’s inconsistency, have cost Arsenal big time and Wenger’s move for Mario Lemina makes sense. The Juventus man has seen less first team action last term and Arsenal are said to be interested in the man. The Gabon international could be a brilliant addition given his strength in the midfield and intelligent passing.
Juan Cuadrado- A surprise target by all means, but if Arsenal are willing to stick to the three-man defence, the Colombian could be a brilliant wing-back for any side. Arsenal are leaving both Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson this summer and one arrival for this position is imperative.
Cuadrado could give the perfect competition to Bellerin on the right flank, and given his brilliant dribbling abilities and defensive attributes, he could even topple him from the first-choice position. Although Arsenal’s £17 million bid for him seems much less, Juventus’ willingness to sell him could help the clubs reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
