Arsenal: Time to pay the Piper

For all of Arsenal’s parsimony on the transfer market, the Gunners have one of the highest player payrolls in the league; a lot higher than some of the high rollers. However, Arsenal can raise much needed funds by selling Gervinho, Aaron Ramsey (unlikely), Lukasz Fabianski, Rosicky and Diaby – just the savings on health care for the last two may be a small fortune. Will they be bold enough to trade up for others – lead footed Mertesacker leaps to mind, perhaps a replacement for Bacary Sagna. The Gunners probably need at least 100 million, perhaps 120. That is because they need players on each line, with multiple needs in the back line.

Arsenal have been heavily-linked with Everton’s Fellaini. (Getty Images)

Goalkeeper – Putting too much on Szczesny’s young shoulders has at least derailed him, if not destroyed him. We already whiffed on Martin Steklenberg, who would have been my first choice. Among the big names available would be Julio Cesar, though probably past his best and one has got to see how he does at the Confederations Cup. A smash and grab for Michel Vorm or Asmir Begovic may be better.

Defence – Central defence is the biggest need, especially with Barca looking to poach Laurent Koscielny. He is no Nemanja Vidic, but without his two last-game winners, the Gunners would have missed the Champions League the past two years. You don’t mess with that kind of luck. We already whiffed on Kolo Toure. Samba has had a dip in form and could be available at a bargain price. Two good defenders would probably cost about 25 million. Sagna seems to want out, which would leave a hole at right full back. Perhaps Danny Alves.

Midfield – Plenty of creative playmakers, but no defensive midfield muscle. If rumors are to be believed, we are going after Marouane Fellaini – Hallelujah! He would be my first choice. 23 million to trigger his release clause; may be close to 30 by the time the deal is done. But Tottenham Hotspur target Paulinho?

Striker – The strongest rumors are that Arsenal are going to meet Real’s asking price for Gonzalo Higuain, about 30 million. The other is about Wayne Rooney, which would send an absolutely disheartening message, in my mind – namely, we give United our best player (van Persie) and they give us their one-time best and current reject (Rooney). This statement would also cover the other strong rumor – Nani to Arsenal. Like we need another fast winger!

My first choice is actually not a big name. It is Christian Benteke. The guy is big, strong, quick, skilled with his feet, can play with his back to the goal or facing front and, to top it all, he has proven his ability to score in the Premier League. He wouldn’t be a popular choice among the fans; besides, Villa have wrapped him up by setting his value in the silly money category, 40 million.

There is one very strong quality about Higuain that the Gunners could use. His strike rate is an unbelievable 32%, which is actually down from the previous year. That means every third shot he hits finds the back of the net. Of course, this is mostly as a sub, being fed by Real’s formidable playmakers like Mesut Ozil, Luka Modric and the like. I can already dream of describing Arsenal games without the inevitable word, “profligacy”, cropping up.

You add up the numbers and we are pretty much in the 100-120 million range. Will Galzidis and Wenger finally spend after so many years of crying wolf? How long before the managerial seats get filled? When will the silly money finally be tapped out so the real trading can begin? Most of all, will the Gunners, for once, carve out their space early in the transfer market? Or will we be dumpster diving after an 8-2 hiding? Speaking of hiding, there is no place left to hide. We gotta purchase or perish.

It’s time to pay the piper!