Improving Arsenal: Hamsik, Van Wolfswinkel, Gourcuff

With all the talk of players leaving Arsenal, what about the ones they could bring in?

In the twenty years of the English Premier League, never has the level of competition amongst the higher echelons of the table been so combative.

For much of the season, there where at least five teams capable of winning the league and up to seven playing for those illustrious Champion’s League positions.

Ultimately – and deservedly – Manchester City were crowned the Champions having fought off stubborn resistance from their bitterest rivals, Manchester United.

As for the remaining European places; they finished occupied by Arsenal then Tottenham Hotspur in that order; a miniature contest between another derby duo.

Next season, these teams have the gruelling task of competing on four fronts both domestically and abroad, so it is imperative that they strengthen their squads to the best of their abilities.

Where do Arsenal go from here?

Considering the quality of player that the Gunners conceded in 2011, they have done superbly to reach third spot ahead of squads the likes of Spurs and Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, it never rains but it pours as they seem set to lose another star name for the second season in a row with the inevitable departure of Robin Van Persie.

Arsene Wenger has moved more decisively than last summer this time to fill the potential void by acquiring the services of Lukas Podolski and Le Championnat winner, Olivier Giroud. Only time will tell whether the pairing come good; Arsenal may still require another young proven striker on the cheap.

Besides the frontline, Arsenal do not need many additions – not even in defence; instead, tactics need to be changed and experience gained so that the players know when to score many or when to just nick a goal and hold out for the marginal win.

Who Have They Been Linked With?

If not the board itself, the Arsenal fans have been baying for the solidarity that M’Vila would bring; so much so that he has become strongly linked over the past year.

For years Arsenal have searched for a natural goal scorer capable of coming alive in and around the six-yard box. Could 37 goals in 56 caps for Schalke be enough to entice the Arsenal backroom to consider substantiating the Klass Jan Huntelaar gossip?

However trustworthy the conjecture over Yoann Gourcuff’s future in Ligue 1 is, it does not seem to quell rumours of Wenger’s long-standing admiration of his French compatriot.

Who Do They Need?

Firstly, Arsenal must not make the signing of M’Vila a necessity as Alex Song proved last season that he is able to provide outstanding delivery from deep on numerous instances.

Though, Arsenal have never quite dealt with the setback of losing their two best passers. Arteta has restored the composure of their short passing game but rarely bombs on. That is why a footballer in the mould of Napoli’s Marek Hamsik could emulate the dynamism lost during Fabregas’ exit.

I do not see the Huntelaar deal materialising due to his age, potential price and wage demands, so the Gunners may be better off inquiring about the availability of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel who would provide a similar threat on the cheap.

Who do you think Arsenal need to sign to improve further?

Di Davidson-Amadi

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Writing and football have been my life for its entirety so far - a marriage between the two was always inevitable. Having previously played at a semi-professional level myself, I have gained interesting insight into the English game; from the grass roots to the highest level. Often opinionated, here is my platform to air my views and, hopefully, stimulate debate.