Arsenal FC - The Transfer Window 2012

What a transfer window this has been! I am pleased with the quality of signings we have made. Although we have tried to buy unproven youngsters with potential, this time we have bought players who have proved themselves and now eager to make that final leap. No better players to buy as they are most hungry and Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud all fall in the same category!

Sad to see our captain leave, but that’s life. Nobody is bigger than the club. I am not going to comment as nobody really knows what’s happened behind the scenes. Professionally, I am not disappointed by what RVP has done but on a personal level, I am. He was our beloved leader, the captain of our prestigous club. A man who won our hearts for being the leader but whatever happened the in the last 2 months is now history.

Song’s loss is also a big blow considering he has been a regular part of the setup in recent years. I wish him the best in his new challenge.

I am excited about this new look lineup. Cazorla, as opposed to my fears of being player as a winger, is now a certainty of Fabregas’s role of CAM. Our backup for that role is Rosicky and I think that position is covered.

From reports that Arsene Wenger is looking at another winger suggests that Podolski could be our main man upfront as opposed to playing on the wings, just like RVP who started on the wings. We need at least 3 strong strikers to challenge on all fronts. We have two in Podolski & Giroud. I would love if Wenger brought in 1 more striker. I am unsure of Chamakh and Park. I have always thought Chamakh was good but he lost his confidence. He can still deliver provided he is given game time. Maybe a 5 month loan until end of January to Wigan or Reading could do him good. Park’s been a mystery. Wenger surely needs to sort our attacking front. One strong player should be brought in my opinion. Maybe Hernandez from Man Utd, Sow from Fenerbache, or Ba from Newcastle.

I am sure we would be playing 3 in centre and 2 on the wings. Rumours are that M’villa is on his way. That could turn out to be a deadline day capture. If he comes and Sahin’s already in, our choices are M’Villa, Wilshere, Sahin, Arteta, Diaby, Ramsey, Cazorla, Rosicky and Coquelin. Too many for 3 positions. And I would love to see Ramsey and Coquelin leaving on loan. My starting 3 at the centre would be M’Villa, Arteta and Cazorla with backups as Wilshere, Rosicky, Sahin, Diaby. Of course, I will play those who are in form ahead of reputation. So if Wilshere and Sahin outperform Arteta and M’villa, then they get to start the next match. There should be a healthy competition. I eventually think it could be a trio of Cazorla, M’Villa and Wilshere.

Wingers – We have Gervinho, Walcott, Ox, Arshavin. Rumours are that Arshavin might be out by the end of the season. And there are strange rumours that we are in for Navas. Let’s see how that progresses. Gervinho seems hungry and should start with Walcott as first choices. Santos could slot into a winger as backup. We should be fine. Navas could be a steal and should start if he joins us.

Defence – Sagna needs cover at Right Back. I would like it if we get cover but Wenger knows best and I think he is not even looking to bring anyone because he feels Jenkinson/Coquelin can do the job. The Left Back position has Gibbs/Santos. Central defence looks real strong in Vermaelen/Koscielny and Mertesacker. I would like to sign a defender who can play CB/RB. Wenger said he is looking to get 1 more defender. Let’s see who he goes with.

I am happy with Szczesny at goal. It could be his year. Fabianski is a fair backup, so no additions would be needed.

My lineup,

Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, M’villa, Wilshere, Cazorla, Gervinho, Walcott, Podolski.

Subs: Mertesacker, Chamberlain, Santos, Giroud, Rosicky, Arteta, Sahin, Fabianski

If Navas is brought, Walcott would drop to the bench on current form and Arshavin would leave. Depending on the quality of player brought in, the players would swap.

I am happy with this team. We don’t need egos or star names. Just a club with players who want to play for it, for the pride and the love.