This summer will see a whole host of talented footballers reach the end of their contracts. With Arsenal looking to build upon this season’s successes and failures, but generally not prone to splashing the cash, there’s every chance that Wenger may opt to pick up one of these players on ‘a Bosman’.
Wenger has a reputation for seeking out a bargain and it doesn’t get any better than acquiring a quality player without a transfer fee.
Take a look at some of the talent available. Aging strikers Didier Drogba, Raul and Dimitar Berbatov (though Manchester United look set to exercise their right to extend his contract by another year) will all be looking for the last major contracts of their playing career this summer.
Then there’s the likes of Jefferson Farfan and Junior Hoillet – both of whom are capable of adding some offensive flair to a team’s football.
In terms of defensive nous, Mark Van Bommel and Mathieu Flamini’s contracts will have run down, whilst the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Christian Chivu and Jose Bosingwa will also be available for free transfers.
So who’s the pick of the litter – who should Arsenal look to bring in? It’s worth bearing in mind that whilst there’d be no transfer fee involved, the Gunner’s would have to compensate somewhat with the players wages. When a decent player’s available for free, there’s sure to be plenty of competition for his signature and the player will likely end up going to the club who offers him the biggest salary.
The most exciting player from this list has to be Junior Hoillet. The Blackburn winger is only 21-years-old and yet has been the Rover’s standout player. There is sure to plenty of competition for his signature but he could definitely add something to this Arsenal side.
Would Arsenal fans take Mathieu Flamini back? Whilst he impressed during his time with the Gunners, fans were not impressed with the manner in which he left. Since that time Alex Song has made the defensive midfield position his own and I don’t think it’s a position Arsenal really need to bolster. Perhaps they should spend their energy looking elsewhere.
What they desperately need is a striker. Despite his age, Didier Drogba is world-class and could definitely do a job as a third-choice striker behind Robin Van Persie and Lukas Podolski. He’d offer something entirely different from the technique of RVP and the finishing ability of Podolski: power. He’s strong and forceful and can really bully centre-backs.
Whilst there are numerous good free signings available this summer, I believe that Drogba and Hoillet are the two best suited to Arsenal’s needs. But what’s your take?
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I think Hoilett would be a great signing on a free (Though we would have to pay a small fee) and Drogba would give us a decent back up option for a year or two. The rest I don’t think we need. So I agree.
i love it drogba will be great
I think drogba and hoillet will be okax since we have afobe and campbell coming up
Yeah cause drogba is going to come to us 2 play as 3rd choice, atleast think Realistically
Drogba Drogba Drogba for me, and Hoillet… That could give Arsenal the title next season…
definitely drogba! he will alway throw fear into any opposition.