Arsenal are currently enjoying a fantastic season in the Premier League, sitting pretty at the top of the table alongside Manchester City.
However, the Gunners still have a stern test ahead of them if they are to beat the Citizens, and Manchester United, to the league title come May and a crucial factor could be the January transfer window.
With all three clubs, and the rest of the league, likely to dip into the market in the New Year, Arsenal must ensure they secure the right deals in order to improve their chances of ending an 11-year wait for English football’s biggest crown.
Jonathan Kaney believes that these three positions are crucial for Arsenal, and need to be strengthened when the window reopens, otherwise Arsenal may fall at a final hurdle once again- which would be extremely painful to take.
Hit the navigation buttons to see THREE areas Arsenal must strengthen in January!
Up front
We need another striker in the January transfer window without question. Welbeck, Giroud and Walcott are great options when fit, however, all three are form players, and with us chasing the title neither can be relied upon 100% to score goals week in week out. The injury situation with Welbeck and Walcott has highlighted just how thin we are up top and with us chasing the title, being so reliant on Giroud is dangerous.
I am a big fan of all three players – Welbeck’s injury is a big blow as he is our most complete and versatile striker. Theo was excellent before his injury and deserves to keep the striking role. But with him being injury prone, we are left with out only Giroud as our recognised striker. Whisper it, but what would happen in Giroud took a knock now?
The Frenchman has been fantastic since being benched a few weeks ago and responded with 7 goals in 8 games. But his two glaring misses against Spurs cost us points and summed up the perception that he is just not quite good enough for us to rely upon. It was the kind of finishing which saw him dropped for Walcott in the first place. Him as the only option dictates our style of play with a target man approach rather than the movement and speed of Walcott.
Arsene essentially has two routes he can down in January to address the striking role: 1. Buy a world class superstar who will come straight into the first team like Benzema, Cavani or Higuain, or 2. buy a solid prospect in the mould of Kokorin or Lacazette, who would provide solid backup to the other strikers.
It’s a tough call for Arsene, but we have the money to go all for the best. If he doesn’t sign a striker and we throw away our best chance to win the league in years because of injury or lack of options up front, Gooners won’t forgive him in a hurry.
Central Midfield
Another position we desperately need to strengthen is in the middle of the park. Rumours continue to fly around that Arteta, Flamini, and Rosicky will be departing in the summer and all three are arguably no longer the quality we need as backup in the centre of the pitch.
The Cazorla/Coquelin partnership has gone beyond all expectations in the Premier League this season, but a powerful and dominating midfielder in the mould of Grzegorz Krychowiak would be a perfect addition to add a new dimension to our squad and provide competition. It’s a long season, and we need backup in the area, particularly if injuries or fatigue hits. Krychowiak wont be available until the summer, but there are plenty of other options for us to explore and Arsene has to act on this one, or risk burning out our first choice central midfielders. Some healthy competition would also keep Coquelin and Cazorla on their toes.
Right Back
Hector Bellerin has been outstanding this year and has locked down his place as first choice right back over Debuchy. The Frenchman’s form and attitude has been concerning and he looks a shadow of the player who signed for us.
Calum Chambers can play at right back and so can Gabriel if needed, however if Debuchy is sold in January – and even if he isn’t – it would be a wise move for Arsene to look at strengthening the right side of the defence.