Alternate take on what Arsenal should do if they miss out on Suarez

In the previous article, we discussed the attacking and midfield options that Arsene Wenger could buy to strengthen the squad even more. Now we discuss the defensive options.

Right Back

Arsenal had the second best defence last term and many are surprised why they have to reinforce their back. The answer is simple, the defensive record is more down to Wenger’s tactical brilliance and the work rate of the midfielders, especially Ramsey and some great performances by the CBs.

But the right back position has been Arsenal’s weakest link. It has been targeted and battered by a large majority of the teams. The left side had been solid throughout last season when Gibbs and later Monreal have been available. The days of Vermaelen covering at LB is now a thing of the past.

Talking of things of the past, Bacary Sagna is no longer the league’s best RB. He’s lost a lot of pace since breaking his leg, his crossing has hit an all time low. And he’s been clueless and out of place for the majority of the previous season. Jenkinson isn’t League Champions’ quality yet so it’s vital Arsenal buy a new right back.

Corchia’s and Jesus Gamez’s names have been thrown around. Corchia is a very good attacker, great crosser and a set piece specialist.Gamez’s is neither but what he is, is a solid RB. And his transfer would see Bendtner going the other way. Finally!! Once read a quote that said “Gamez isn’t a player who’d take your breath away but he’s a one who’ll calm your nerves”. And that’s exactly what Arsenal want and need.

My opinion : Gamez; Corchia

Centre Back

Arsenal presently have 3 recognised CBs along with Ignasi Miquel as back up. Let’s be very clear that he’s nothing more than that presently. Sagna has played a few matches at CB and has been good there, especially this pre-season. But with Vermaelen out till Christmas Arsenal need to buy a good quality CB. 2 names come to mind, Ashley Williams of Swansea and Adil Rami of Valencia.

Williams transfer would be a blunder considering Swansea want £ 12mil for him. Rami despite being a better player costs less than 8mil £. He has plenty of International and European experience. He’s also a monster from set pieces with his great jump and powerful headers.

My opinion : Rami > Williams.

Goal Keeper

With Mignolet having gone to Liverpool and Reina having gone to Napoli Arsenal have to buy Krul, Cesar, Vorm or Begovic if they’re to shore up their Goal keeper position as Wojciech Szcz?sny isn’t exactly performing upto his potential. Begovic is rumoured to cost around 15mil £ , Krul and Vorm around 12 mil £ and Cesar available on a loan or for around 5mil £. Cesar’s availablility on loan puts him above the others as an ideal buy.

My Opinion : Cesar > Begovic > Krul > Vorm

Finally this is how the team would look like

Forwards

Klaas Jan Huntelaar

Oliver Giroud

Lukas Podolski

Yaya Sanogo

Chuba Akpom*

Wide Midfielders

Theo Walcott

Jefferson Farfan

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

Serge Gnabry*

Centre Attacking Midfielders

Santi Cazorla

Tomas Rosicky

Thomas Eisfeld*

Centre Midfielders

Jack Wilshere

Aaron Ramsey

Mikel Arteta

Gedion Zelalem*

Daniel Crowley*

Centre Defensive Midfielders

Luis Gustavo

Abou Diaby

Right Backs

Jesus Gamez

Carl Jenkinson

Left Backs

Nacho Monreal

Kieran Gibbs

Centre Backs

Laurent Koscielny

Per Mertesacker

Tomas Vermaelen

Adil Rami

Bacary Sagna

Ignasi Miquel*

Goal Keepers

Julio Cesar

Wojciech Szcz?sny

Lukasz Fabianski

Martinez

Players like Podolski, Cazorla are comfortable on the wings as well. Theo is good playing as the striker. Sagna can play right back, Vermaelen could play left back and Wilshere and Chamberlain could play as attacking midfielders. So if a dire situation arises Arsenal have players who could play in other positions if needed.

*-Promoted youth players.

Transfer Costs Involved

Huntelaar – 12mil

Farfan – 12 mil

Gustavo – 10 mil

Gamez – worth around 6mil but with Bendtner , it should be around 3mil

Adil Rami – 8 mil

Cesar – loan

Total – 45 mil.