There is something a bit different about Arsenal this season. They haven’t folded predictably against the top teams and there appears to be a little more substance to Arsene Wenger’s gleeful smile.
In the craziest Premier League season ever, Arsenal surely have as good a chance as anyone of taking the elusive trophy this season.
And The London Evening Standard’s chief football correspondent, James Olley attempted to put some flesh on the bones of all the transfer speculation that has been rattling around The Emirates in January.
And while he said that Arsenal are ‘not close to any further additions he also stated that:
‘They wanted Karim Benzema last summer and would take him if Real ever had any intention of selling. They have also scouted a host of midfielders including Gregorz Krychowiak, William Carvalho and Victor Wanyama.’
Olley also lifted the lid on a couple more players who may be of interest in the longer-term:
‘Ruben Neves at Porto is one they like for the future – assuming Rosicky, Arteta and Flamini all leave in the summer I’d expect some movement in that department then.’
So it looks as if the summer may be a time for a midfield re-jig. But expect a lot more speculation about strikers too.
Because, even though Olivier Giroud is having another excellent season at number 9, an injury to him and the squad would have to rely on the mercurial talents of Theo Walcott at centre forward.
The Englishman has developed really well over the last couple of years but his fitness record is a concern.
But it does appear that Arsenal’s business for this window may have come to and end with the signing of Mohamed Elneny.
