Your Vision

Your Vision - What do we need this summer?

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR VISION ARTICLES ARE SENT IN BY READERS AND ARE NOT WRITTEN BY ARSENAL VISION WRITERS.

In my opinion, I think we need less than the pundits believe. William "money grows on trees" Gallas is 99.9% likely to be leaving, along with Silvestre and possibly Campbell. Lets say that these players will all leave, that leaves us with just Vermaelen and Djourou at centre half. Then there is Song as back-up if needed but whenever he is available we want him in the holding midfield role and nowhere else. Sagna is another possibility there, especially with the emergence of Emmanuel Eboue last season providing huge competition at right back, but I think that should just be a back-up option. Therefore, I think we need 2 centre backs, and the ones we have been linked with I know zilch about (Kjaer and Koscielny) but to be honest I'd trust Wenger with whatever centre half he signs. The centre halves of my preference would be on back up and one first choice to partner Vermaelen who has experience, is a good talker and leader and right footed. Then we could have Djourou and Mr X as centre halves 3 and 4 with Song and Sagna there incase of emergency as 5 and 6.

We also need a goalkeeper as so many would agree. I have seen today that we have appraoched for Mark Schwarzer which is good in a way because he's better than the ones we have now and it means Wenger also thinks we need a keeper, however I would like someone a little younger and perhaps a little better than him. On the other hand, I understand why he's gone for Schwarzer because he isn't going to be a long term option and should be hanging up his gloves just in time for, dare I say it, Fabianski to step in, aswell as Mannone and Szczesny.

In terms of midfield, I don't think we need anything here. Defensive midfield is fine for the first summer in a while as Song is coming on a bundle and I think we have decent enough cover. The offensive midfield is also fine as there's the Barcelona stalked captain and Diaby backed up by Denilson, Nasri, Ramsey when he's back and Rosicky. I'm not too sure on Eastmond yet, I'd like to see him out on loan as he doesn't look quite ready yet.

On the wings, we have numbers here too with Arshavin and Nasri as my first choice two and then Walcott, Rosicky, Eboue, Eduardo and Bendtner. Despite this I wouldn't say no to Joe Cole as he has experience, can play on either flank, is free and is a real threat who can do the defensive duties too. I think he would be a good player to have in the bigger games too, however he fits into the Arsenal bill of being injury prone, and what would this signing do to the likes of Walcott and players coming through like Wilshere in the future? Overall, this is a position that doesn't need any attention, but there's always room for improvement and Cole would add something but I'd just consider him a bonus as I think we're already fine in this position.

Up front, we are also fine as there's van Persie backed up by Bendtner, Chamakh and Eduardo which shows it is a position that lacks nothing in quality or strength in depth.

So in conclusion, I am of the opinion that we NEED a goalkeeper and two centre halves. What we also need is to bring back the defensive approach we had early in the season where we pressed up front and in midfield and didn't allow the defense to be exposed or the other team to dictate. That good tactic seemed to disappear more as the season went on. As for "players out" I would sell Traore unless he is content with being 3rd choice left back - which I doubt he is, plus he could make the price lower if we did an exchange with Lorient for Koscielny if that is actually a possibility (I've lost what little trust I had in newspapers etc in the last month). I'd additionally loan out Vela, Eastmond and Fabianski and try to keep Almunia as our number two goalkeeper. I don't know much about Szczesny but I'd probably loan him out too along with Coquelin.

That would conclude my summer dealings! Your opinions would be appreciated.

Mean Lean's Response

I pretty much agree with everything you have written TL Gooner. The central defensive area is certainly my biggest worry right now. I have no doubt that Wenger will strengthen that area especially as it looks very likely that William Gallas will be seeking pastures new but that is only part of the problem for me. We could potentially lose four central defenders this summer. That is four first team players in the same area of the pitch and that for me is a massive concern. Philippe Senderos has already departed, William Gallas is probably next along with Mikel Silvestre and we are yet to tie down Sol Campbell who has been flirting with Neil Lennon's and Celtic.

Even if we bring in quality players in their place it would still be a worry for me and perhaps even Wenger. Players need to develop partnerships they need understanding with the player next to them, even more so in such an important position as the center of the defence.

Johan Djourou is a player I admire very much, I think he will be the real deal once he gets a long run together and gains more first team experience under his belt but he has never played a competitive match alongside Tomas Vermaelen and it is feasible that he will be first choice next season.

On the flip side we saw how the Verminator took to the red and white shirt like a duck to water (or is it fish?) in his first season. I just hope that whichever player(s) are brought in can follow suit.

I am also of the opinion that we need another player to challenge for the number one shirt. If Almunia was willing to fight for his place and take a place on the bench as number two then I would be all for that idea with Lukasz Fabianski going on loan to iron out his flaws and show everyone why the Arsenal coaching staff think so highly of him.

With the potential signing of Joe Cole and the free transfer of Chamakh, I feel the squad is well equipped in other areas of the pitch. We need the players we already have to continue to improve and play consistently.

I cannot wait for the new season to start.

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Comments

#1 - rc Says:

love this as i am fed up of the world cup and need something positive to think about.
think we will get koscieny(?) and maybe ajax c/half janVertonghen., who could cover defensive midfield as well at the back and agree we need new experianced goalie until chesney has more experiance(needs to be loaned out to championship for season). would accept 15 mill for clichy and put gibbo in at left back with troare as back up, as has too mayy mistakes and other teams target left back as a way in to our defence, would love to know how many goals we let in from left hand side as against right with sagna, in ideal world i would start with complete new back 5 built around TV, with sagna as back up,and then in front of them song and diaby, with the remaining four players up front to come from cesc AA rvp chamakh ramsey nasri wiltshire theo (joe cole would fit in as well if we can afford him) would sacrifice vela-rosicky-edwardo, as they are either too small,injury proneor not up the premiership.

i want a team that can hold the top 3 in premiership to a draw so that we can pick up points aginst the rest, i want a team that can go away and take to the fight, and i want a team that can change shape if need be, i have not really seen anyone at the world cup that would realistically come to us but would not be unhappy if the following came to improve our squad
afelley elia bougherra de weir sorenson.
i have yet to see anyone better than song at defensive midfield, aprt from mascherano, who we cannot get, and you can keep yaya as he is off to mank citeh, we have enough to improve up front just need a bit of "muscle" at the back and an organiser as good as tony adams!! maybe we should give the captaincy to TV but the only problem with this is the last 3 capiatons have all left for pastures new, we may even lose cesc!!

#2 - omomo14 Says:

I don't expect Wenger to buy 2 players for one position so i'll be expectin' one CB which we already know his name.

Koscielny, Djourou, Vermaelen and Nordvit(sp) along with Song is more than enough for the course of the season. Another addition would be welcomed but will see reasons with Wenger if he sticks with one CB.

A GK should be a priority for next season,and Schwarzer is the man for me. He is in the twilight of his career with loads of experience, comanding in the box and also a good shot stopper. The likes of Fabinski and Manone would learn from him.

I would love another midfielder to be added which i doubt. Somebody in the mould of Bastian Shwienstiger.

Chamackh has been added which is a big plus. With these additions i think we are definately ready for the new season. I say bring on Barnet fast!!!

#3 - Ashley Dods Says:

We need at least two centre backs and goalkeeper. I'd like another ball winning centre midfielder too. All the deadwood seems to be on the way out anyway.
Definately agree that Traore should go unless he's happy to be a reserve.
Just wondering if anyone reckons Havard Nordtviet could be that "Mr. X" centre back number 4 Or is he too young?

#4 - joe Says:

Bring in LLoric in Goal for 10 -12 million, Subotic in defense for 10 -12 million along with back up from Koscielny 8-10 million. Joe cole on free, add to midfield attacking options.

sell eduardo 10 million, rosicky 10 million, fabianski 2- 3million. Traore 2 million. if we cant keep hold of Fabregas, sell him for no less then 40 million and bring in as replacement Gorcuff 20-22 million.

Next seasons Arsenal squad.

GK: LLoric, Almunia, Mannone

DF: Vermalen, Subotic, Koscielny, Djorou, Nordveit, Clichy, Sagna, Gibbs, Eboue

MF: Song, Gourcuff, Nasri, J.Cole, Arshavin, Walcott, Diaby, Denilson, Ramsey, Eastmond, Wilshere (Loan out )

CF: Van Persie, Chamakh, Bendtner, Vela

Money from Players sold 62 - 65 million
Money Spent on Buying Players approx 52 million
Net Profit - approx 10 - 12 million

SORTED.

#5 - brdgunner Says:

I think we need a goal keeper. Not sure who? Most are better than what we have.

2 CB's I would also agree with.

CM? I would like some urgency in the Centre of our midfield. Especially when off the ball. For me Scott Parker would be perfect, assuming Cesc Stays. Scott is a battling, hard working, leader. I think we would benefit from his presence. If not Scott Parker then De Rossi, always good for Italy.

I believe attack is fine over crowded if anything.

4 players in total. All with a defensive ideology would really make a difference.

COME ON THE GUNNERS

#6 - Ashley Dods Says:

@brdgunner - like it, but I don't think much of Parker and De Rossi would cost a fortune even if he did leave Roma. ( I doubt he ever will.) Plus Song is too good to be his back up anyway.

In an Ideal world I'd like Frey and Zapata in the first team and (Moussa) Sissoko, Richards and Hart on the bench, but that ain't gonna happen.

#7 - Squid Boy Says:

If Sol goes then we must sign another centre-half (in addition to Koscielny). IMO we must keep Sol, for his winning mentality as much as anything.

I'd be happy with:

Vermaelen, Sol, Djourou, Koscielny.

Not expecting too much from the likes of Bartley and Nordveit yet, i think they need a "Carling Cup" year or two first.

As for central-midfield, does anyone else think that Djourou could do a job filling in for Song?

#8 - Mean Lean Says:

I certainly think Djourou could fill in for Song, he came to the club as a midfielder, a defensive one at that but he hasn't played there for some time. It would be interesting to see if he could handle that role in a pre season or something, although I am sure the boss will keep him stuck at the back to develop an understand with player x

#9 - Squid Boy Says:

I do like Djourou's distribution, in the games he played at the start of 2008/09 (before Kolo undeservedly walked back into the side), he passed the ball very well out of defence.

Whether or not he can play one-twos in tight spaces a la Song is another matter, but if he keeps it simple then i think he could fill in for Song, no problem. Fitness permitting...

#10 - jaygooner Says:

We certainly need at least one Centre Back the polish bloke whose name I cant spell looks a done deal. Wishlist would be a decent keeper who can command the defence and why not David James. It would be naughty raping a skint pompey, but fuck it Harry already robbed them and bankrupted them.James would be a good cover until the other polish bloke chesney (cant spell his name either) is ready for the first team. In midfield Cesc aint going anywhere anytime soon, Ramsey will be back, Denilson is not nearly as bad as everyone makes out and maybe Diaby, after a good World Cup, will realise that if he does the things he is good at, he can be a fine player. Up front, Chamakh is a great addition, RVP is on the theshold of greatness, injury free crossed fingers, hopefully Eduardo will realise that Taylor and Shawcross are not the only thugs that will be clamped down on by the FA next season, so he can play free of fear. Looking good for The MIghty Arsenal and thats without mentioning Song Rosicky Walcott Nasri Bendtner Clichy Vermaelen Gibbs Wilshire and the swathe of youngsters like Jay Emmanuel Thomas Murphy Afobe and all. OOOOOH TO BE A GOONER

#11 - Squid Boy Says:

Well said jaygooner!

I'm torn as to whether James would be a good signing. His workload as an Arsenal keeper will be much less than at Pompey. Can he stay switched on for 70mins before pulling out a wonder save?

He is however less likely to be bullied at set-pieces than Manuel and Fabianski. And he's English, which means the refs SHOULD afford him a bit more sympathy than our current lot get.

#12 - jg Says:

Koscielny looks to be arriving in the next day or two. When Arsene gets another CB, it will be either Sol or a veteran back-up to replace him.

A GK is a must. Joe Hart would be my first choice, Tim Howard my second. Either Shwartzer or Sorenson, unfortunately, seems more likely. As for the first two, Hart could be had; he will not want to be a caddy for Given for the next couple of years. And Howard would be a safe pair of hands and good business: Arsenal will want to make a bigger splash in the US market very soon.

I expect Arsene to go after Melo again. He just might be successful this time around.

If Cesc goes, bring in Gourcuff. He will probably be in a hurry to get out of France after this WC. As for Cesc, we don't need a want-away in the team and certainly not as captain.

#13 - omomo14 Says:

Squid Boy,

Don't know why i don't rate James, maybe because he is prone to an horrible mistake. Schwarzer for me is someone i would like wearin' the Arsenal's colours.

Reports makin' the rounds this evenin' is that Arsenal are in for Green and signin' will be anounced at the end of the World cup.

Would definately prefer Green to James but feel this purchase will hinder the first team chances of Fabianski, Manone and the Polish GK that's why i would stick to Schwazer.

#14 - TL Gooner Says:

I don't agree with James personally, although I can see why you'd mention him. Koscielny does seem imminent and I don't think Nordtveit could just be chucked in as CB 4 tbh, he's never played for us before.

Also with joe Cole, I'd rather him playing for us rather than Spurs, Man City or Man Utd so why not sign him I say.

I can't see Melo coming in but you never know, I'm not sure we need him- a foul proned over-rated DM.

I'm not commenting on Fabregas because the whole thing is just cooked up specualtion from desperate, story deprived journalists and tapping up from Laporta, Xavi, Messi, Pique and whoever else has tapped him up so far. I'm suprised AFC haven't moaned about them for that yet, and I would be disgusted if UEFA or the FA or whoever didn't act on it if we were to moan about them. I actually hate them in the same bracket as Spuds, Chelsea and Man Utd now!

#15 - graham Says:

Was checking out Chamakh and Koscielny on youtube, I think Chamakh will bring alot to our side with his aerial ability which will help us out a lot at both ends of the pitch on set pieces. Think Koscielny is similar to Vermaelen, not that big but tough and chips in with his fair share of goals,also good on the ball and could probably help out Song as cover for DM or even as a partner against some of the better sides. His league appearances have been impressive with 35 average apps a season for the last 3 years. Would like to see a 6'4 defender come in to play against the likes of Drogba Crouch and now Zigic, plus a goalkeeper and I think we'd be sorted.Organising some crossing practice for Sagna/Clichy to accomodate Chamakh's heading ability wouldn't go astray.

#16 - luis zelaya Says:

james makes sense, portsmouth went down, so the best bet is him coming to us since we are the only top team in need of a keeper and he's better than anyone we have at the moment, though marginally. i don't want him, he's very error prone like the keepers we have, but i like him better, at least he's not as ugly as almunia and he's sort of having a clown, but i'd rather him being elsewhere. i'm betting on us getting one of the world cup's keepers, not very known. arsene is there so he can check them out, maybe even talk to them. i hpe it's not france's keeper and i'm glad we didn't get schwarzer since he gave away a couple of goals by his mistakes. another thing, i'm pretty sure cesc won't leave now, since his situation in spain would be the same at barca, which is that of a substitute, and i'm pretty sure he doesn't want to be there that badly.

#17 - Mo Says:

Nice article mate, good to see some balanced opinion even on the comments.
At the end of the season ppl were quite pissed & wanted masses of change, over time that's naturally calmed down but I think the world cup has a little part to play.
It's kept the dumb media & hacks busy so they're not writing their 'arsenal in CRISIS' headlines every two days!!

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