What does the future hold for Arsenal & Arsene Wenger?

It is official: Arsene Wenger has signed a new extension to his current deal that was due to expire this Summer and has penned a three year extension which will see him become Arsenal manager provisionally up to 2017.

This is something that had not always been a formality this season what with derision from certain sections of the Gooner faithful, fans have been frustrated at times with several below par away performances against the big boys Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. However, in the end the season that was should be perceived as a successful one. It ended 9 years without a trophy, with The Gunners lifting the FA Cup and qualifying for yet another season in the Champions League.

So what Is Next For Arsene and Arsenal?

It is imperative that we hit the ground running and invest in the squad. There have been names flying round left right and centre of late, some a lot more realistic than others. First things first, we need to fill the void that has been left by 2nd choice Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and French Right back Bacary Sagna. Serge Aurier, Calum Chambers, Dani Alves and Atletico’s Juanfran have all been linked with moves to the Emirates in recent days. Either one of these four would be an able replacement for Sagna who this week confirmed his departure from the Emirates.

Lukasz Fabianski has agreed a deal with Premier League side Swansea City, which has fueled talk of Michel Vorm going the other way,.Wenger has been an admirer of the Dutch keeper and he is a valid candidate.

It is clear to see that the priority for Arsenal this Summer is a striker. Ideally, two will be on their way to the Emirates. Olivier Giroud looks set to remain at the club after speculation over his future seemed premature and it looks like he will be extending his contract as talks continue. Giroud was much maligned last season by some, unfairly you might say. He bagged 22 goals, which is not a bad return at all.

A world class striker is needed at the club. Someone who is capable of 30+ goals in a season. Unfortunately, that kind of target seems unrealistic for the Frenchman but he should definitely remain as he is a good option to have. Karim Benzema, Diego Costa, Mario Mandzukic and Loic Remy have been some of the high profile names that are rumoured targets. I personally like Remy. He has had his critics but he would give us something different.

Remy scored 14 goals in 27 games for Newcastle last season which is impressive considering how many problems Newcastle had last season.

Finally, a position that needs addressing is the need for a world class defensive midfielder. There is only one player that really fits the bill currently on Arsenal’s books and that is an aging Matthieu Flamini. Flamini had an impressive season, but there is a real need for a world class enforcer at the club. The likes of Sami Khedira and Javi Martinez would fit the bill and would add some class to the midfield.

Last season we were found wanting in the big games due to defensive frailties. The addition of a world class holding midfield player is a must and would improve our chances of silverware for a second season on the bounce.

The one thing i’m sure we can all agree on is that there needs to be some serious investment if Arsenal are to better last season and mount a serious challenge on the title next season.

Thanks for reading – @goonerscribe

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