If Arsenal’s squad wasn’t quite so thin, there’s every reason to believe that they could have stayed in the title race. As it is, they’re currently watching Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea duke it out, whilst looking nervously over their back at Everton who are slowly creeping up on the North London side.
The Gunners troubles began with injuries to Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey, who are two of the club’s most important players. The Welshman’s runs into the box (and subsequent goals) have been sorely missed, as has Theo Walcott’s pace on the break.
With Olivier Giroud playing as The Gunners lone striker, the team is forced to move the ball about too slowly upfront. Sure, the big Frenchman can flick the ball about and play some nice one-touch stuff, but he’s more of a turtle than a hare. If Theo Walcott were still present, Arsenal would have another option and things would be considerably different.
Whilst signing another striker should be Arsenal’s number one priority, Arsene Wenger also needs to find a way of adding a bit more pace to his squad. If he can do this, The Gunners are sure to come back even stronger next season. Who knows, they may even be able to compete for silverware.
As it happens, The Gunners were recently linked to Antonio Candreva, who’s part-owned by two Serie A clubs, Udinese and Lazio. There’s one thing that the Italian winger is renowned for: pace. He’s also got bags of stamina, great technique and a neat passing range.
He’s entering the final year of his contract and his current owners are negotiating between themselves to try and agree a deal that will secure his future. But this could leave the door open for The Gunners to swoop in and pluck him up.
He’s made 18 appearances for the Italian international team and has experience for a variety of different Serie A clubs. I’d say it’s about time that he had a shot at a big club.
As a squad player, he’d be an excellent choice for Arsenal. He’d be able to fill in whenever Theo Walcott and The Ox aren’t available and may even push for a first team place. The Express suggest that he may be available for as little as £7m. I’d argue that that makes him something of a bargain.
What’s your take? Could The Gunners use a bit more pace upfront?
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