Arsene Wenger has recently hinted at what he will be in the market for this summer – a top quality striker and an experienced defender with Premier League experience under his belt, according to The Guardian.
The Frenchman has finally acknowledged the need to strengthen his defence following last season’s calamities, as well as adding another striker to the pack.
Interest has already been expressed in Lille’s 24-year-old forward Gervinho, who recently stated that he will be making a decision on his future after Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin on Saturday.
When asked what he will look to add to his front-line this summer, Wenger replied:
‘World-class strength. Everyone is looking to reinforce their attack as it’s always important to improve in that area of the team.’
He also mentioned the need to acquire experience to his defensive line:
‘We’re also after an experienced defender, maybe one who is already used to life in the Premier League. That has been our weakness.’
I’m glad to see Wenger has finally realised our weaknesses and is looking to do something about it this summer. However, if he is looking for, as he put it, ‘world-class strength’ to add upfront, shouldn’t he be targeting someone better than Gervinho?
Granted, the Ivorian does look a talented player and did well for Lille this season (scoring 15 goals in 34 appearances this season), but is he a world-class player? I’m not too sure.
Personally, I would prefer Wenger to go all out for Radamel Falcao instead of Gervinho this summer.
The Porto forward has been sensational for the Portuguese side this season, both in domestic and European competitions. The Colombian is probably the best poacher/finisher in world football today, and would certainly add that ‘world-class strength’ that Wenger is talking about.
The Arsenal boss also stated that he is on the hunt for an experienced defender, preferably one that is used to Premier League.
Now the only defenders that I can think of that fit this bill, and could strengthen our back-line further are Blackburn’s Chris Samba and Bolton’s Gary Cahill, that’s it.
Many fans will be saying that Brede Hangeland should be in with a shout, but let’s face it, he isn’t better than the two names mentioned above now is he?
Either Samba or Cahill would make a great addition to our defensive line, as both players possess great aerial ability; have superb positional awareness, and above all, Premier League experience under their belt. However, whether Wenger will look to a Premier League defender or obtain one from abroad this summer remains to be seen.
Let’s just hope whoever Arsene Wenger does sign this summer will be money well spent, and more importantly, slot into our starting line-up perfectly.
Written by Tony Merakli for Gunnersphere.com. Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere
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wenger go roger johnson ,he is a decent center half.