Whilst I’m writing this before Arsenal’s game against QPR on Saturday, I think it’s fair to say that the Gunners are in trouble. Whether or not Arsene Wenger’s side secure a win against the Rs, or put in a good performance, it’s clear that this side cannot compete for a Premier League title. I’m sure that anybody who saw Arsenal’s games against Norwich City and Schalke 04, will attest to that.
This is a side without any focal point upfront, without goal-threat and without enough creativity in the midfield. Santi Cazorla has too much pressure on his back and the defence is constantly stretched. The Gunners no longer look like a proper unit. The hope now must surely be that Arsene Wenger will take action in the transfer market.
By January it may already be too late to get back into the title race. But a couple of smart transfer may help Arsenal in the race for fourth. As sad as that reality is, I don’t think the Gunners can aim much higher. Not this season at least.
Many fans will be expecting the eventual arrival of some big names. They’ll want to see the likes of Fernando Llorente, Roberto Soldado, Karim Benzema and Christian Eriksen. Knowing Arsene Wenger, however, he’ll probably choose to shock everyone and pull a surprise signing out of the bag.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic may well fit into this category. Beyond having a name that’s difficult to pronounce, he’s also a talented midfielder, who happens to have flown under the radar. Yet, according to German source 4-4-2, Arsenal are now keeping tabs on him.
He’s also popped up on Inter Milan’s and Juventus’ radar. He’s clearly a player with some pedigree. In 113 appearances for Stuttgart, he has scored 22 goals (a fairly healthy rate for a central midfielder) and also impressed with his movement and reading of the game. He’s an all action midfielder with the energy and drive to move about the pitch quickly. I think Arsenal could benefit from a player in this mould.
I like Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey, but they’re not yet ready for the rigours of the Premier League. Arsenal need somebody with experience and pedigree and Kuzmanovic fits the billing. He’d also be available for free at the end of the season as his Stuttgart contract is coming to an end.
Now that sounds like an Arsene Wenger-esque signing to me.
What’s your take? Would Zdravko be a smart addition at the Emirates?
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