French legend pens three-year-contract at the Emirates…
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Veteran French manager Arsene Wenger is set to put pen to paper on a new three year contract at the Emirates, and the Telegraph has compiled a list of the five things he needs to do this summer to transform the Gunners from perennial top four finishers into genuine title contenders.
5) ‘Be bold in the transfer market’
Writer Jeremy Wilson reckons this is the most important thing the traditionally frugal boss must do this summer. Last term though, Arsene Wenger was happy to splash out £42m on Mesut Ozil, and during the first half of last season – it looked as though the decision might result in Premier League title glory. This summer, Arsenal undoubtedly need to replace Bacary Sagna at right-back, who is leaving on a free, bring in a competitive striker to compete with Olivier Giroud, and probably secure a combative midfielder as well. Wenger has the money to do just this – and needs to spend it.
4) ‘Adapt and evolve’
Wilson pens, “[Wenger] is effectively now the head coach, manager, psychologist, father-figure and sporting director at Arsenal,” and he isn’t wrong! Now approaching his 65th birthday, Wenger should perhaps look to step back, and focus his attentions as to where they’d benefit the team most.
The traditionally stubborn Wenger, who brought to England so many innovative ideas in 1990s, should not be scared to try new ideas, or implement new styles – because his rivals won’t be either.
3) ‘Get ruthless with under-achievers’
There are players still at Arsenal who are probably never going to be good enough to win them the Premier League. Although Wenger’s faith in young players is admirable, he needs to realise which of the current crop aren’t up to scratch, and look to move them on.
Yaya Sanogo has never scored a goal yet for the Gunners, and there are doubts over whether Olivier Giroud will ever be able to spearhead a title winning side. The answer? Sign a world-class forward – and make the two Frenchman prove themselves from the bench.
2) ‘Review preparation and medical set-up’
No other side has lost more ‘days to injury’ than Arsenal over the past five years. While this is partly bad luck, questions surely have to be raised over the consistently long-term injuries suffered by Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Wenger shouldn’t be scared to take a look at how, why and where these players are picking up injuries – and look to adapt his methods as a result.
1) ‘Address captaincy issue’
Arsenal used to have the likes of Tony Adams, Sol Campbell and Patrick Vieira in the side. Now, club captain Thomas Vermaelen can’t get into the side.
Wenger surely needs to appoint Per Mertesacker as permanent captain, as Vermaelen’s current depute Mikel Arteta might not even be starting next term either.
