Gunners close to bringing in three new signings.
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With just hours remaining of this summer’s transfer window, Arsenal look to have finally got their act together in terms of signings, and are ready to unveil three new faces this evening.
Often criticised for lacking ambition in the transfer market, Arsene Wenger has been strongly linked with some big names this summer, though so far he has failed to deliver on his attempts to sign Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo. However, he has not given up in his pursuit of ‘marquee’ signings for the club, and has made a sensational signing late on to smash the club’s transfer record, as well as picking up two astute pieces of business on loan.
Emiliano Viviano (Palermo – Loan)
The first signing by Arsenal is a loan deal for a new goalkeeper, with Italian international Emiliano Viviano joining the club from Palermo for the 2013/14 season. The 27-year-old could join permanently next summer if he impresses Arsene Wenger in challenging Wojciech Szczesny for the number one spot at the club. The Pole’s inconsistent displays for much of the last year have seen Wenger identify the need for a new option in goal, with the injury-prone Lukasz Fabianski failing to provide much of an alternative to his fellow countryman.
Viviano spent last season on loan as well, though he failed to earn a permanent move to another Serie A side Fiorentina, so he will be hoping to do better this time around, and Arsenal fans may feel this is a sensible move, as Viviano doesn’t necessarily look like a player who should be brought in on a permanent deal straight away.
With Szczesny still young and learning the game, a season-long loan for a more experienced shot stopper could be ideal for the 23-year-old’s development, enabling him to watch and learn from the sidelines and take some time out of the limelight after becoming first choice for the Gunners at such a young age. The Polish international undoubtedly has potential, and could still be a serious contender for the number one spot in the future.
Arsenal had also been linked with the likes of Queens Park Rangers’ Julio Cesar and Valencia’s Vicente Guaita this summer to deal with their goalkeeping issues.