With the signing of Mesut Ozil in the summer Arsenal signalled a new era in their history. Arsene Wenger knew that there would be a period of austerity as the new stadium was built and paid for. Arsenal fans generally understood this and showed great patience.
But, by bringing in the German in August, Arsenal showed the world of football that they would be competing at the top end of the transfer market once more.
Now it’s not so much a case of the floodgates opening – Arsenal aren’t a club that needs a complete player overhaul – instead they may look to add one or two really stellar talents each summer.
The Guardian today aggregates the rumours from various sources to pull together a shopping list for The Gunners. They say:
Arsène Wenger is already drawing up his summer shopping list and depending on your news outlet of choice, it features strikers Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atlético Madrid), Jackson “Cha Cha Cha” Martinez (Porto) and Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich); midfielders Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen) and difficult to spell right-back Lukasz Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund).
Finally a list that makes real sense. We aren’t debating the wisdom of the Arsenal boss. But the club keeps getting linked with midfielders and brought another in in the window. But, the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Crystal Palace proved that, despite injuries, Arsenal have more than enough good players for the midfield.
What they need are top strikers and a right back to cover for the thirtysomething Bacari Sagna, who may even leave this summer.
Of the selection, we think that Diego Costa and Jackson Martinez would best suit the top end of the team. Arsenal are all about mobility and swift counter attack. They don’t need massive number 9s. They need lightning quick, adaptable forwards who can finish. Costa and Martinez are in the Aguero mould of quick sharpshooters with super technique.
Any of the names on this list would befit the Arsenal shirt. Let’s see Martinez in action.
CLICK FOR MARTINEZ. Arsenal fans, who would you most like to see at The Emirates come August?
Follow us on Twitter @soccersweep10
