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Yet another summer of expectations from the supporters for the man at the helm of Arsenal FC, Mr. Arsene Wenger. Like the past 16 years, Arsenal pipped their North London rivals on the final day of the season to secure Champions League football for yet another season.
But the important question this summer is whether mere participation in the Champions League is enough for a club of Arsenal’s stature.
Let us face the fact that the past 8 years haven’t been what a supporter would have wanted from Arsenal. We haven’t won any trophy, and a star player leaves at the end of every summer, right from the Pires, Henry days to Fabregas and Nasri, and more recently, Van Persie and Alex Song. The only good thing about this season is that there is no one who wants to leave the club or has contract issues at the moment.
So, coming to the important part – who should Arsenal buy this season to bolster their squad? The supporters are clamouring behind Wenger to sign a ‘star player’.
There were rumours circulating that Arsenal had agreed a deal with Real Madrid to sign Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, but now it looks like he is headed for Napoli.
In my opinion, one player that Arsenal should avail the services of is Wayne Rooney.
Let us get the fact straight. Rooney is one of England’s greatest, and since the arrival of Robin Van Persie at United, Rooney’s role has been more of a back up to Van Persie. It is evident to all that Rooney is unhappy at Manchester United, and Arsenal should seriously consider bringing him to the Emirates.
Wayne Rooney is on the most hard working players in the world presently, and can play at different positions to help his team’s cause, which is perfect for Arsenal.
Another reason why Rooney’s signing will benefit the Gunners is because Arsenal’s style of football, which is more of a passing game, is well known by Rooney. So instead of a Carrick, he’ll have an Arteta here at Arsenal.
Apart from this, I don’t think there are any other serious requirements at Arsenal.
Yes, it’ll always be good getting Julio Cesar as cover for Szczesny. The defence is pretty much solid, which is evident by the fact that Arsenal conceded just 4 goals in the last 12 matches of the season. Monreal and Jenkinson provide good cover for Gibbs and Sagna, and Vermaelan, Koscielny and Mertesacker can exchange positions at centre-back.
The midfield is another area where Arsenal are strong, with Arteta, Ramsey, Cazorla, Wilshere and Rosicky doing pretty well in pre-season. With the addition of a striker of Rooney’s caliber, Arsenal’s forward line will also be complete, with Giroud, Walcott and Podolski in some sparkling form on the Asia tour.
And if things go as planned, you never know, Arsenal might just be English Premier League champions in 2013 – 14.
