Right now Arsenal are considered just short of being title contenders for next season, here’s how they can turn that around…
Arsenal fans, print off a copy of this easy how-to guide and send it to Arsene Wenger as soon as possible…
1) Tie up the signing of Santi Cazorla
Arsenal’s rivals will be kicking themselves at how they have seemingly been beaten to the punch to sign Cazorla. The Spaniard is a simply outstanding talent, who will bolster the Gunners’ midfield ranks. He has the potential to be the star of the club’s midfield, and is a matchwinner. He is the sort of signing Arsenal fans have been crying out for, he is the right age, and was a target for Real Madrid last summer. The deal is said to be close to being announced, but until he is pictured wearing an Arsenal shirt, it isn’t done yet. Arsenal need to get this one tied up, done and dusted, and get him integrated with the first team squad as quickly as possible.
2) Convince Robin van Persie to change his mind
He may not be the most popular person at the Emirates right now, but with under a fortnight to go until the season kicks off, van Persie is still the Arsenal captain. There is no doubt that if Arsenal can get the Dutchman back on side, then the club will benefit from having last season’s Golden Boot winner back on board. His options to leave the club are running out, certainly if Roberto Mancini is to be believed. One of his reasons for wanting to quit was the club’s perceived lack of ‘ambition’ in the transfer market. Signing Santi Cazorla kicks that into touch, and there is every chance to argue that Arsenal’s midfield would be superior to that of Manchester United, the club he is most tipped to join. Once the Cazorla deal is done, Arsenal can begin applying the pressure on their star man to stay.
3) Sign Ibrahim Afellay on loan
This one would be the icing on the cake, and it is a deal we have looked at all summer long. It took a couple of interesting developments over the past two days, firstly with his agent declaring he would be available to go out on loan, before backtracking yesterday, adding ‘you never know.’ So clearly it is worth Arsenal pursuing, and Barcelona are not overly sold on the player at present. The winger needs to rebuild after a bad injury, and Afellay would definitely benefit from a loan. He is not essential for Arsenal, but he would add crucial depth to the squad. The kind of depth which is important if the club are to sustain a title challenge and compete on all other fronts. Usually a lack of options and injuries take their toll and Arsenal burn out around February-March time, and Afellay on loan would be an excellent addition.
Can these steps turn the Gunners into title contenders? Are they all likely to happen?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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