Apologies in advance for a fairly long read ahead
We have done some terrific business thus far this summer and I'm hopeful it continues however.......
We're all aware that both these positions were the most pressing issues this summer in terms of elevating to the next level and I'm fairly confident that at least one will still be improved on this summer.
People still seem torn on whether we should opt for a forward or midfielder.... ideally you'd take both but after all we have spent this summer already I think there's space for only one more 'BIG' buy.
If we're to pretend that we could spend at least £20m+ to secure a top player in either position which would you rather?
My opinion? Certainly a DM / physical MF.
I know we've needed a top forward for quite some time, ever since a certain Dutchman departed but the same can be said for a DM / physical MF ever since Song departed.... we are weaker in this position than anywhere else on the field imo with Arteta and Flamini the main options.
We need a dominator in there to avoid getting rolled over in the mammoth games.
In attack we have certainly improved without buying an out and out striker. Our options for our frontline are: Giroud, Sanchez, Podolski, Campbell, Sanogo, Akpom and of course the returning Theo... all of whom can play up top, some more convincing than others of course.
Our defensive/physical midfielders are Flamini, Arteta, Diaby and Coquelin, a lot more underwhelming. Diaby would be an amazing option if he could be trusted but we all know the risk.
I think we can be devastating in attack even with OG. As long as Giroud is always surrounded by at least 2 other forwards from the above list instead of creative midfielders all shoehorned into our front line. Giroud is only frustrating when you rely on him as the main source for goals (of course it's his job) but if the burden was shared with other attackers in the first XI we'd actually appreciate Giroud's input a lot more I feel. He's a lot better with runners, and can bring them all into play.
Carvalho/Pogba/Khedira/Bender would be my choices in midfield, possibly revisit Southampton's boot sale and enquire about Wanyama. The player has to be strong and athletic.
Vote 5 DM
Vote 1 CF
We could always buy a striker and just pray to God Diaby stays fit....
Top Class DM or Top Class CF
posted on 29/7/14
Campbell is a big risk and I suspect Wenger will cash in or loan rather than putting him in as first choice while Theo recovers. He is direct. Oxalde is not so would be a better fit.
posted on 29/7/14
Why would he sell/loan JC with Theo out? That makes no sense.
Gnabry will go on loan as soon as he is fit, not JC.
posted on 29/7/14
I hope not dj because I think as you do. But all the chatter seems to suggest that Wenger is far from convinced.
posted on 29/7/14
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 4 seconds ago
I hope not dj because I think as you do. But all the chatter seems to suggest that Wenger is far from convinced.
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Haven't seen anything other than praise from Wenger towards JC.
Only in the media, such as the Metro, do I hear any suggestion JC may be on the way out, and that is a bone they have been chasing all summer without any sort of evidence to back it up. Campbell just seems an easy target for column fillers.
Add in the fact that JC has only just returned from WC duty yesterday and I doubt Mr Wengers mind has changed since his praise filled comments during the tournament.
posted on 29/7/14
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/391381/West-Ham-plot-move-for-Arsenal-loan-star-Joel-Campbell
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/joel-campbell-arrives-at-arsenal--but-hes-unlikely-to-be-staying-long-9635591.html
posted on 29/7/14
Could explain the D. Costa links but why ship out someone so eager to prove himself he'd be better up top than Sanogo too.
For every good decision we make in the market we must accept the inevitable bad ones I guess but would much rather sell 100k-a-week Podolski
posted on 29/7/14
We have to choose?
posted on 29/7/14
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 1 hour, 43 minutes ago
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/391381/West-Ham-plot-move-for-Arsenal-loan-star-Joel-Campbell
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/joel-campbell-arrives-at-arsenal--but-hes-unlikely-to-be-staying-long-9635591.html
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Two more newspaper articles with nothing of substance.
If JC is off why isn't he with CJ in sitting out this training camp?
posted on 29/7/14
Btw, the articles both have West Ham as the loan destination, but they are taking CJ on loan. They cannot take two players on loan from the same Pl club, something that came up with regards to Everton taking Lukaku and Atsu from Chelsea on loan this summer.
posted on 29/7/14
I hardly doubt Joel Camobell will go anywhere. I'd see Wenger keeping him as good back up. Just so he can come on as a different option to Giroud up front or to try and make a difference with some fresh legs against tired full backs or defenders. Rather than send him on loan to a team that plays the opposite style and will play long balls, which isn't what suits Joel Campbell.