'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United, and more annoyingly, Robin Van Persie, won the title last night. Thankfully, I was unable to watch the horrific scenes unfolding at Old Trafford. It would have been hard to watch, and in fact, I probably would have turned it off in disgust after Van Persie’s ‘Goal of the Century’.
It means that when Manchester United visit the Emirates next week, we’ll probably end up giving them, and him, a guard of honour. Thankfully, I won’t be able to watch that either. Thank god for my cricket tour.
Trending
What last night did do, was make me think about what Arsenal need to do to compete at the top of the table once again. After years, and years, of financial prudery. Arsenal, and Arsene, have declared that they will be spending money this summer.
The club will have an extra £50m at least due to new TV and Emirates sponsorship deals, which, in addition to the huge pile of cash burning a hole in Arsenal’s bank account, should leave Wenger with a ‘war chest’ capable of satisfying the Emirates faithful.
Let’s say, for argument’s sake, I’m in charge, and Arsenal have £75m to spend (genuinely, that’s a realistic amount), this is what I would do…
Firstly, we need a world-class striker, as United proved with RVP, as it makes all the difference. For all I like about Giroud, he isn’t, nor will he ever be, world-class. Strikers in the very top bracket, capable of firing a side to a title, are few and far between, even less are readily available.
Robert Lewandowski, Edinson Cavani and Falcao are three that seem likely to move this summer. However, all three are probably out of Arsenal’s reach financially, as much because of their wages as their transfer fees. It seems very much that Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic is who Wenger is going to go after. The Montenegran has scored 12 goals in 26 Serie A games this season and whilst he might not have the quality of a Van Persie yet, at just 23 years old, it is likely Wenger will see the vast potential he possesses.
His price tag is reportedly around £30m, which would see Wenger smash his previous transfer record. It seems like a good move for Arsenal, as Jovetic is rated very highly and would signal their intent to once again mix with the big boys. It looks like a good deal for Arsenal and Jovetic should fit in well.
Ok, £45m left. With the news today that German attacking midfielder Mario Gotze has agreed a move to Bayern Munich. Malaga playmaker Isco is my man. The young Spaniard has lit up the Champions League this season during Malaga’s remarkable run the quarter-finals.
Wenger has expressed a fondness for Spaniards in recent seasons, signing Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and most recently, Nacho Monreal. With Malaga banned from the Champions League the next time they qualify due to financial irregularities, it seems likely Isco will be on his way. On the face of it, it looks like a perfect fit. Despite the presence of Cazorla and Wilshere, Arsenal have often lacked penetration this year, something that Isco would undoubtedly offer, as well as goals.
At just 22, he like Jovetic, offers great room for improvement too. Surely an enticing prospect for Wenger. Due to Malaga’s financial difficulties, Arsenal shouldn’t have to pay much more than £20m for the Spaniard. With former Malaga teammates Cazorla and Monreal now residing at the Emirates, it wouldn’t be much of a leap for Isco to join the North London side. Deal done. Let’s say £22m.
£23m left. I saw a story the other day about Wenger going in for QPR keeper Julio Cesar, I hadn’t thought of this before, but it struck me as a great idea. The 32-year-old Brazilian offers Champions League winning experience, great quality and consistency at a good price.
QPR are going down, they won’t want to keep paying Cesar’s wages in the Championship, he won’t want to stay. That will drive the price down. He is also the perfect age, whilst he obviously does not offer brilliant long term prospects, all we need is a top quality stop gap before Wojciech Szczesny is able to fullfil his undoubted potential. £5m, three year contract, easy peasy.
£18m left. Now it gets a bit tricky. A month ago, I would have said we require a bruising defensive midfielder, someone like Etienne Capoue. But now, after Aaron Ramsey and Arteta have formed a commanding central midfield partnership, I’m not so sure. Also, with our new attacking midfielder Isco further forward, Wilshere could be deployed deeper.
I think I’d end up spending the remainder on two ‘squad’ players in the defensive midfield and central defensive positions. They are both areas we have quality in, but areas we also need more strength in. Our defence often takes a beating from fans and the media, but too often this season we have been lacklustre going forward, that is where the problem lies.
I will now be sending my recommendations to Mr Wenger presently, and I expect a reply in the coming days.
