A Gunner's view on transfers and the season ahead

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Tomas Rosicky of Arsenal battles with Bradley Johnson of Norwich City during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England.

It was heartening to see the Gunners start the recruitment drive early with the shrewd signings of Lukas Podolski and Oliver Giroud. There is an air of expectation from the Ligue 1 top scorer and a German regular to provide us the firepower in and around the Emirates. But I am reminded of the same optimism that Chamakh brought as a Ligue 1 winner and top scorer. Though he did not do too badly, he was not the same player we expected him to be. He is still with us and here’s hoping that he turns a new page just like Rosicky did towards the end of last season after years in the wilderness.

Just when I think that Arsenal are learning, I am dumbfound by the news that our captain has made his decision to look for opportunities and silverware elsewhere. Anticipating the worst, I want him to do badly in the hope that no clubs are willing to bid for him and that he commits to our cause for the long term. But I was completely mistaken when I saw clubs waiting to poach him even after an average Euro. My only advice would be to hire Eden Hazard’s PR Officer to bring fun and curiosity to the readers as well as market trackers.

Once they leave the Emirates, famous names like Flamini, Hleb, Kolo Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Nasri, Adebayor, and Eboue are forgotten. However names like Henry, Fabregas, Eduardo, Sol Campbell, Jens Lehmann, Robert Pires, and Fredrik Ljungberg keep flashing at the Emirates because they “belong” to us, though they left the club. So its up to RVP to decide how he wants himself to be remembered in the future.

It would be profitable for us to sell him this year for a good fee, given the competition for his signature rather than lose him for free next year. I totally feel for Bordeaux fans for allowing Chamakh to leave for free. I would ideally love any youngster from Arsenal to go there on loan as a token of gratitude.

Moving on, its far from ideal that Arsenal are turning into a feeder club like Ajax, Porto, Lille and Benfica especially, given that there are more restrictions such as work permits which cripple us from scouting talent from South America, Africa and Asia.

Last season taught us that the transfer window isn’t over until 15 minutes after the deadline and 5 signings in 5 hours summed it up.

An analysis of the squad would reveal that there will be a mass exodus of forwards namely Bendtner, Vela, Van Persie and possibly Chamakh, Park and Arshavin. After what Rosicky showed us last season, it will give the last 3 players belief to rekindle their best form and build momentum.

Walcott, though inconsistent, can be a threat with his pace at any point of the game. He has this added incentive of laying claim to his favorite position as CF if he commits himself first and then turns in eye catching displays. His versatility also makes interchanges easy with Oxlade, Gervinho, Poldi, and Giroud equally capable. This gives us good options up front.

Once again, we have an abundance of talent in midfield in Wilshere, Arteta, Song, Rosicky and replacements in the form of promising youngsters Ramsey (still young), Frimpong, Yennaris, Lansbury, Coquelin and the experienced Diaby.

At the back we have Vermaelen, Koscielny, Sagna and Gibbs but Mertesacker, Djourou, Santos, Squillaci and Jenkinson can claim starting berths on the teamsheet for themselves.

This could be one area that would require strengthening as an injury might derail Arsenal’s plans. The younger crop coming from system look to be promising and here’s hoping that Miguel, Bartley etc come of age this season and give consistent performances.

Much is expected of our current number 1 Szczesny after his good performances last season. Still, an experienced addition would be welcome.

The fact that we are already through to the Group Stages of the Champions League would mean less number of games at the start and less tension in terms of qualification.

Moving on to the possible signings that we can expect at Ashburton Grove come the the season kick off,

1. Optimistic Picks: With Van Persie expected to leave and clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, Madrid and Manchester City the main trackers, a swap deal with their players would be highly ideal. Players such as Villa, Elia/Krasic, Higuain/Kaka or Balotelli/Dzeko would be as good as it gets. Having managed players such as Anelka, Van Persie, and Nasri at their notorious best, I would say Arsene could do a good job with players like Balotelli in case they make the switch. The cultural mix found at Arsenal would help such a player to mingle and get used to the environment. The fans at the Emirates are also less discriminatory, in comparison to most other stadiums. Good players from our intense rivals like Defoe, Lukaku, Nani, Ba, Ben Arfa, though unlikely, would be good value
2. Realistic Picks: These are players I expect Arsene would make a deal with and bring them to the Emirates. They not international superstars but are blessed with potential. Some of them are M’Vila, Marvin Martin, Dempsey, Giuseppe Rossi, Lewandowski, Hoilett, Victor Moses, Canales, Munain, Llorente, Ander Herrera, Javi Martinez, Susaeta, De Marcos, San Jose, Iraola, Loic Remy etc

I am sure Arsene would scout out France and Germany to find good players to suit our playing style. Players like Gotze, Hummels, Subotic and Holtby indicate that Bundesliga is brimming with talent to exploit. As always, Ajax, Benfica and Porto are ready to outsource their players to foreign shores.

We go into the season with the target of Continental qualification, rather than a title challenge, let alone win the title. This season promises to be more interesting than the previous one as West Ham, Southampton and Reading have traditionally done well in the EPL. There have also been manager merry go rounds between various clubs and the new managers will be desperate to get the upper hand. Liverpool look to be a more attacking and creative outfit with Joe Cole, Aquiliani (Arsene has been scouting him since the Italian was 16), Steven Gerrard, and Lucas Leiva.

Spurs as usual could do decently and need to kick on in the final hurdle but will still finish below Arsenal. Chelsea’s squad will be heavily tested with the Club World Cup in December just before the Festive period of the BPL. Manchester will be in the thick of things as usual when it comes to the title challenge. Newcastle and Everton need to kick on from their previous year’s performances and fight for the continental places.

Swansea and Norwich would want to continue their good performance: avoid the Second Season syndrome and continue their giant killing exploits of last season. QPR have been the most proactive of the teams, strengthening the squad with no less than 6 players and expecting more to come under Mark Hughes. Aston Villa and Sunderland still remain good teams, built around British players and will hope for better performances than the previous year. Stoke, Fulham and West Brom with their inimitable style will add an element of physicality that’s characteristic of the English game. But I hope at least one of them will to have to fight the relegation battle till the end.

Overall, a promising season to look forward with Arsenal equipping themselves enough to break their much awaited Trophy Drought.