Arsenal Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 12/13 MOD POST #232

Galvasean wrote: »

When I look at the international pedigree in our squad (don't forget Rosicky and Arshavin warming the bench) it makes makes me wonder if any amount of new signings can fix our team. On paper our team should be trouncing the likes of West Brom, Norwich, Stoke, Swansea week in, week out, but instead we constantly struggle.
I think it must be a mentallity thing. The players have the ability, but not the cahonies. They know they're a top 4 team at best aand cannot build on that as any outstanding players will inevitably leave before the team can achieve anything significant. The team's morale is shattered.

This is one thing that I would agree with and often I wonder why Arsenal fans arent more fixated on a DM signing. Call it what you will but a strong mentality, balls, steel etc seems to be the one thing lacking with regards Arsenal and perhaps the addition of such a signing would allow the others do what they are good at and stop sides from working through you at the same time. I find it odd when players like Tiote or even Lucas's abilities or worth as signings are played down as I think they are exactly the type of player Arsenal might need.

Honestly I dont think Giroud has done badly at all, I mean he isnt RVP but who is and with only one spot up front and Podolski perhaps better suited to playing this role I wouldnt put a CF ahead as a priority. Having said that someone like Huntelaar or Llorente on a bosman/cheap fee would be too hard to pass up imo.

I may be wrong but another player that I think is on a short contract and has even been linked to Newcastle recently (along with I think Juve or maybe one of the Milan sides) that Arsenal could be looking at would be Moussa Sissoko. Seems a quality player imo and im sure being French would probably (assumption i know) make him more eager to play for Wenger & perhaps easier to settle. On that I guess M'Vila could be mentioned who was originally the man pencilled in to replace Song it would seem if not for his attitude issues reportidly. Now available at a more knock down fee perhaps Wenger would be willing to gamble thinking he could bring much needed strenght to his Arsenal side.

On the wings Walcott needs to be replaced if he isnt going to resign and tbh that does not seem too likely. I'd fear Zaha would be signed, not that he would be bad but it would just be a bit annoying for Arsenal fans to develop a talent like Walcott who then leaves just to essentially start all over again. A more established player already would be better esp if Walcott is sold in January to avoid a Bosman. I'm sure there would be far more names that culd be mentioned for this role but Ruiz who was mentioned before would fit the bill imo.

*LB could also be an issue but I think Wenger will stick by Gibbs as his first choice unless he has another serious injury.

The Odd thing is it wouldnt actually take a mad amount of cash or even breaking the wage structure to recruit the players mentioned but major reconstruction may not be needed if the players available are played to their strengths. Resign Sagne, get M'Villa/Tiote/Sissoko plus someone like Huntelaar & Ruiz would not break (especially if you could get even 1 or 2 of the catalogue of deadwood off your books in January & get any money for Walcott) the bank but would prove Arsenal could be proactive aswell as reactionary in terms of the transfer market and their ambition.