More so than ever, Arsenal’s success this season may hinge on how well Arsene Wenger plays the January transfer window. Over the last couple of months the Gunners have proved that they can beat just about anybody on their day, but they are also prone to inconsistency and have struggled against some of the bigger sides this season. It’s clear, for instance that Arsenal are a long way off the two Manchester sides.
There are a couple of areas in this squad that clearly need to be addressed, whilst arguably all areas of this team could do with increased competition.
But it’s not the Wenger way to go out and spend big, so the most Arsenal fans can hope for are 1 or 2 signings that really add some strength in depth to the squad. I doubt that supporters would be too pleased if the January transfer window slammed shut and they had only picked up Thierry Henry on loan.
When it comes to Arsenal, the main transfer everybody seems to be talking about and clamouring for is that of Lukas Podolski.
The speculation began when the Polish born German International refused to sign a contract extension with his current club FC Koln. This alerted a number of Europe’s finest sides, though it is thought that a couple of top German clubs as well as Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to be most interested.
As for Arsenal, it’s clear they need a striker or a forward-minded player of some sort. At the moment, there’s too much burden placed upon Robin Van Persie, Arsenal’s only in form striker and the only Gunner to keep scoring on a regular basis. Marouane Chamakh has no confidence and no form and Chu-Young Park isn’t trusted with the responsibility so it’s clear that Arsenal need to look for some outside help.
On the face of it, Lukas Podolski would be the ideal candidate. He’s a world-class footballer, a natural goalscorer (14 goals in 15 games this season) and a model professional. But would he fit into this Arsenal system? Over the past couple of seasons the Gunners have been renowned for playing 4-5-1, with Robin Van Persie as the loan striker.
This has allowed Wenger to pack his midfield with talent, something that would have to change if Lukas Podolski arrived at the club. After all, you can hardly bring Podolski to the club and expect him to sit on the bench and play second fiddle to RVP. The 4-5-1 would have to go and so too would one of Arsenal’s midfield stars. Is this a price worth paying?
For me there just doesn’t seem to be space for Podolski in this squad. Whilst Arsenal need to bring in a striker this January, I’d argue that it should be someone willing to warm the bench and bide his time.
What’s your take? Is Lukas Podolski the man for you?
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Yes we were at our best and won things with 4-4-2, 4-5-1 has done us no favours over the last years, back to 4-4-2 with 2-3 of the 4 midfielders being attacking and 1-2 defensive.
What a horrible article. Look at any other top club and you will find a host of striking options. Then take a gander at Arsenal, the 4th most valuable sports franchise in the world, and you find one capable striker (one could further argue, in the absence of wilshere, that you only find one world class player in the entire squad). While Park remains a talent unproven and needs more time on the pitch in order to asses his true class, the gunners remain lost in front of goal without RVP. Bring in a top striker and a ACM, and loan out a LB this January, and we will secure a top 4 spot in the premiere league and prove a real contender in the CL this season. UP GUNNERS!!!
No! 4-1-4-1 has worked, to an extent, because RvP is an exceptional striker. When he is rested or unavailable, we have no proven replacement. Even if Henry comes, he will look in vain, for a latter-day Bergkamp to add significantly to the overall goal tally. Our total reliance on RvP has denied us of a Plan B. AW must be more flexable. and play with two up, as required. We need an experienced, versatile, proven goalscorer – one who can play as direct replacement for, or alongside, RvP. Of the fourteen strikers, seriously promoted by the media, Podoiski ticks all the boxes. In addition, Bergkamp and Henry, among many others, have taken time to settle into the style and speed on joining new clubs. Henry presents no such problem If AW moves quickly – we should be so lucky – Podoioiski will have two months to work up to speed and enjoy success with us.