Different window, same story. Arsenal are one of those teams that get linked to a host of players, but sign a very few or none of them. After beginning the transfer window with a bang with the signing of Granit Xhaka, fans became hopeful, but they have been quiet ever since.
The issues with Arsenal’s squad is glaring. They are highly under-strength in the attacking department, with only Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott as their forwards. With these two leading the line, it is going to be pretty hard for them to compete for the title—and, hence, they need refurbishing.
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In defense, they lack some bite. And here are 5 players they could sign to stamp their authority in the league…
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
In one sentence: Arsenal need someone who could play the role Theo Walcott was supposed to play. In other words, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the player that Arsenal fans once thought Theo Walcott would be.
Instead, the Englishman turned out to be a headless cheetah who could only run without any real intent. Aubameyang, however, is an entirely different beast altogether.
Not only is he insanely fast, he also knows how to use his pace and beat defenders with it. He has scored tons of goals for Borussia Dortmund and could certainly be the player that solves the Gunners’ attacking woes.
What can be said with full assurance is that he would be a huge upgrade from Olivier Giroud. To be honest, however, almost every striker worth his salt would be better than Giroud.
#2 Gonzalo Higuain
He might be a big match bottler according to many, but it is not the big games that really hurt Arsenal in the league. Last season, Higuain scored a record 36 goals in the Serie A. He was good at Real Madrid, he is phenomenal now at Naples.
Arsenal have lacked a goal-scorer with a sharp killer instinct ever since Robin van Persie left. In the world of football right now, only a few strikers have the former Real Madrid man’s predatory instincts inside the box.
The one problem, however, is Higuain’s price tag. Aurelio De Laurentis is known for his rigidness when it comes to selling his star players. Hence, he would not sell him unless someone decides to pay the amount he asks for—which is a staggering €94 million.
#3 Kostas Manolas
The defensive hara-kiri at Arsenal is a never-ending saga which could compete with the likes of The Song of Earth and Fire in terms of its length. It is not like Wenger totally neglected this issue as he signed some centre-backs in the past few years, but none of them really solved their problems.
While Laurent Koscielny has been their best defender, Mertesacker is too slow and needs the proper assistance to function adeptly and the Gabriel Paulista hasn’t shown up yet.
Enter Kostas Manolas.
The Greek defender has been a mainstay in Roma’s defense. His towering presence alone could solve a number of problems for Arsenal. He is also a crunch passer of the ball. However, with Roma selling their best attacking player, Miralem Pjanic, it is unlikely that they would sell their best defender in the same window as well.
#4 Julian Draxler
He is one of those players that gets linked with Arsenal in every transfer window. This year is no different as the Wolfsburg star is apparently on Arsene Wenger’s radar once again. The Gunners’ squad is far from what one would call a title-challenging bunch, but signing Draxler could change all that.
With Santi Cazorla’s form uncertain following an injury ridden season, Arsene Wenger needs another player who can assist Ozil in midfield. And who could be a better for the German than his compatriot?
As a player, not much needs to be said about the former Schalke youngster as he is one of the best talents in the world of football. His directness and decisiveness are just the attributes Wenger’s unit lacks. Hence, Arsenal could do a lot worse than signing him.
#5 Philipp Ochs
Julian Draxler would cost Arsenal a fortune, hence Wenger has turned his eyes towards another German talented: the 19-year-old winger, Philipp Ochs.
He has only made 13 professional appearances at club level, but has already garnered attention, thanks to his impressive displays. The left-footed winger is quick while also possessing good ball control.
However, he is still young and needs a lot of grooming before he could reach his immense potential. And if we have learned one thing from Arsenal over the years, it is that they need instant-impact players rather than talented potentials.
