Wenger looking at major changes in midfield.Although midfield is certainly not a problem position for Arsenal, it looks as though manager Arsene Wenger is determined to raise the quality of his squad in that crucial area, with the Gunners now keen to become a force in England and Europe again after their FA Cup final triumph this season.
With some of the current names in the midfield area not really strong enough to consider ‘world class’, Arsenal have been linked with several exciting targets in recent media reports, with some of the best players on show at this summer’s World Cup seemingly impressing the Gunners boss ahead of next season.
Still, Arsenal are not blessed with the kind of financial strength of many of their rivals, and will have to raise funds by losing a few of their current first-choice players. Fans need not be too concerned, however, as the players likely to depart the Emirates Stadium look set to be replaced by three additions of the absolute highest quality.
Out – Mikel Arteta
Linked with Athletic Bilbao as a replacement for new Manchester United signing Ander Herrera, Arsenal may be wise to cash in on Mikel Arteta while they can. The former Everton man will be 33 by the end of next season and is already showing some signs of slowing down in the latter stage of his career. No longer the creative force that shone in his first season at Arsenal or during his time at Goodison Park, Arteta has been used in a deeper role in the last couple of years, and doesn’t really possess the right qualities to play the role to the required standard. Although the Spaniard’s passing remains good, he cannot exert as much influence from further back, and doesn’t offer as much defensively as one of the team’s deepest midfield players should. Although a model professional and something of a favourite with the fans, Arteta needs to be improved on if the Gunners are to seriously challenge in the major competitions next season.
In – Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton)
Seemingly one of many Southampton players who could be on the way out of the St Mary’s Stadium this summer, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is being strongly linked as one of Arsene Wenger’s top targets to come in in midfield. The Saints star, currently on World Cup duty with France, is young, promising and already fairly experienced at the top level after helping his current club climb the leagues before their promotion to the top flight in 2012. An ideal replacement for Arteta in every sense, in that he can ensure the Arsenal midfield retains that quality of passing and possession, but also with a bit more pace and bite to his game to help the defence out more.
Out – Santi Cazorla
A superb player no doubt, but with rumours of strong interest from Atletico Madrid, it could be that Arsenal will take another opportunity to receive reasonably big money for a player heading towards the end of his career. Although hardly a veteran of the team, Cazorla will be 30 in the middle of next season, and there may not be another chance for the Gunners to recoup what they paid for him a couple of years back. The Spanish playmaker has been a great signing for the club, but could still be improved on when looking at some of the big names currently being linked as Wenger’s top targets. If a good enough offer comes along from Atletico or anyone else, Arsenal couldn’t be blamed for thinking that with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and others still at the club, they would not be significantly weakened by Cazorla’s departure.
In – Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
With Cazorla possibly heading out, Arsenal can push ahead with their proposed £44m move for Juventus star Arturo Vidal, whom Arsene Wenger has recently described as the perfect midfield player. The Chilean was in fine form before his country’s unfortunate exit on penalties to Brazil in this summer’s World Cup, and he has been one of Juventus’ most important players in the last few years as they have dominated the domestic scene, winning three Serie A titles in a row. Able to play deep or in a more advanced role, Vidal is a superb creative player with an eye for goal and would likely link up superbly with the likes of Ozil and Ramsey in Arsenal’s new-look midfield. Manchester United and Real Madrid are also interested in the 27-year-old, and Arsenal would be wise not to let this opportunity pass.
Out – Lukas Podolski
A hugely popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, Lukas Podolski could be considering his future this summer after being in and out of the starting lineup in 2013/14. Although not helped by injuries, the German winger did not quite reach his influential best in his second season with Arsenal, and Wenger too may be tempted to listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who has attracted interest from Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund in recent times. Not quite fast or skillful enough to play out wide, and not quite a consistent enough finisher from close range to play upfront, Podolski doesn’t quite seem to fit into this Arsenal side’s setup, despite his obvious ability. While there is still some potential to make good money from his sale, now seems a good time for the north Londoners to let the former Bayern Munich man leave.
In – Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona)
A player constantly making the headlines at the moment, Arsenal are one of a number of admirers of Barcelona and Chile star Alexis Sanchez. The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for the last year or so, enjoying his best season in a Barca shirt this term despite their poor season overall, and then starring for his country at this summer’s World Cup. Along with Arturo Vidal, Sanchez has been one of the best attacking midfielders on show at the tournament, and could now link up with his fellow countryman in a superbly ambitious deal with Arsenal. With Barcelona set to embark on a major squad cull, which has already seen former Gunner Cesc Fabregas join Chelsea, Sanchez is one who could leave for a reasonable price, leading to interest from the likes of Manchester United and Juventus. The preferred option for the Catalan giants, however, is to use Sanchez in a swap deal with Liverpool for Luis Suarez. Still, if Arsenal sell the likes of Podolski and co., they could find themselves with the kind of cash needed to swoop for Sanchez and complete an excellent summer’s work in the transfer market.