Arsenal's Dream Summer Of Signings

Anywhere between £70m and £100m is what Arsenal is rumoured to have ready to spend this summer. Yesterday we took a slightly controversial look at how Arsenal could put that money to better use by plugging up the cracks in the squad’s depth with a few free or cheap signings. Today we are going to look at Arsenal’s dream transfer list.

Arsenal require a number of players in order to “complete” the squad with striker and defensive midfielder at the top of that list but what other positions do we need to strengthen? Goalkeeper is a must due to Szczesny being our only senior ‘keeper come July. In defence, Arsenal certainly require another centre-back and probably a right-back with Sagna looking increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal. Some would argue Arsenal need to replace Monreal but won’t go into that.

In midfield, aside from the defensive midfield position a case could be made for a box to box midfielder as Arsenal were left completely exposed by the loss of Ramsey to injury and it became apparent his peers are unable to replicate what he brings to the team.

The attack is in need of improving and aside from a striker, a left forward could also be on the cards. So that makes a total of 7 players and here are a few options for each role.

Goalkeeper

Yesterday we highlighted two able ‘keepers to provide support and competition for Szczesny in Schmeichel and Ochoa – both available on free transfers – but today we are going to look at some “dream” choices…

Asmir Begovic

Stoke’s Bosnian ‘keeper will turn 27 in June and is highly regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League. Coveted by most of the big clubs, Stoke have managed to keep hold of their prized asset by slapping a huge price tag on his head. Old enough to be considered an experienced head but young enough to be a first choice ‘keeper for up to 10 years.

Asmir possesses excellent positioning, shot-stopping, reflexes; is comfortable coming for crosses, saving long shots and has great concentration. His long-kicking ability has been as asset to Stoke’s route one style of play under previous management which wouldn’t necessarily be put to good use at Arsenal but his penchant for coming off his line could be an asset to Arsenal’s high backline.

Arsenal have shown interest in this player before but the tight competition he would bring to the club could either put him off for lack of guaranteed playing time or convince Arsenal’s Polish number 1 to push for a move elsewhere.

Iker Casillas

What needs to be said about this player? Probably the best ‘keeper in the world for a decade and still just 32 years old. His long passing is not up to the standard of Begovic but that would not be an issue with Arsenal’s style of play. Casillas is one of the world’s best when it comes to instinct saves and with reflexes like a cat he is hard to beat from any distance. If he has a glaring weakness it is his ability to come for crosses which could be an issue against some Premier League opponents.

Currently playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez at Real Madrid, this Madridista stalwart is rumoured to be looking for a new challenge and Arsenal may be willing to offer it.

Manuel Neuer

Considered by many the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment. Strong in every area and gives the impression his goal is impervious. Conceded heavily to Real Madrid recently but that won’t have decreased his stock at all.

Centre Back

Arsenal have a rich history of quality centre-backs from McLintock to O’Leary to Adams, Bould and Keown, to Campbell to Mertesacker and Koscielny. Under Arsène Wenger there have been a few duffers in guise of Senderos, Cygan and Squillaci but in Koscielny, Toure and Mertesacker there is a counter-argument for the fallacy that Wenger doesn’t understand defenders and doesn’t buy good ones – even Gallas was a good defender, despite being completely bonkers.

With the future of Thomas Vermaelen uncertain, Arsenal could be looking for up to two centre-backs this summer and they will have to be of the highest quality to break the partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny or alternatively, a game ready future prospect able to turn in a performance when needed whilst being groomed to take over from the forenamed players.

Who could constitute a dream signing?

Benedikt Höwedes

Benedikt Höwedes

This 26 year old German international is a first-team regular for Schalke in the Bundesliga and has attracted admirers from all across Europe. An excellent centre-back who is competent at right full back when required could add a reversed versatility to the all but gone Sagna who is able to fill in at centre-back.

Höwedes is a consummate professional who possesses a fantastic blend of the attributes found in the Mertesacker and Koscielny partnership. He has superb reading of the game, excellent ball retention, is strong in the tackle, is a brilliant interceptor of the ball and is an accomplished passer of the ball.

Benedikt likes to play short passes which would immediate settle him into the Arsenal style of play and he is experienced in playing Champions League football.

Sergio Ramos

Tempting away this versatile defender from one of the best club sides in the world would be nigh on impossible but hey, this is the dream transfer list! Comfortable operating as a centre-back and also a right full-back this two time European Championship, World Cup, La Liga and Copa Del Rey winner is one of the top defenders in the world.

Sergio has matured into one of the most consistent defenders in Europe and has moved on from his youthful petulance to become a star defender in a Madrid side famed for placing all of the emphasis on attack. Best friends with Arsenal star Mesut Özil so maybe signing him wouldn’t be a complete dream if he became available despite every top club in the world probably wanting his signature.

Seamus Coleman

The man many want to take over from Bacary Sagna. This 25 year old Irishman has seen his stock rise since joining Everton and his value increase from £60,000 to a reported £20m. An accomplished defender who finely balances attack and defence, Coleman is currently the best right back in the league and looks set to keep his crown for a long time yet. Slightly weaker than Sagna in aerial duels but with time on his side you can imagine he’ll iron out that tiny crease in his report card.

Philipp Lahm

This is a dream list and few right backs could be considered over Lahm in a dream team. If Arsenal wanted an upgrade on Sagna then they wouldn’t have to look beyond Lahm but tempting him away from Bayern Munich would be almost impossible.

Midfielders

Lars Bender

A defensive midfielder has been a necessity at Arsenal for a few years now and Arsenal are rumoured to be loking at reviving a failed deal for Bender from last season. The Mirror reports that Arsenal have made German international midfielder their top priority this summer to add some much-needed strength to the Arsenal engine room next term.

Bender is famed for his impressive workrate and the Leverkusen man would add some tenacity to the Arsenal midfield. Flamini has been the midfield general this season but Bender would be less of a liability than Mathieu “Obligatory Yellow Card” Flamini and is thought to be more accomplished in possession.

Paul Pogba

Powerful midfielder Pogba is probably the most coveted central midfielder in the world at the moment. Many players have been called “the new Patrick Vieira” but few have deserved such an accolade. The best compliment that could be paid to Pogba is saying not only is he the new Patrick Vieira but before he turns 25 people will talk of young talent as the new Paul Pogba. The lad has everything and Manchester United fans will forever rue the day he was allowed to leave.

Pogba grew up dreaming of playing for Arsenal and a vast majority of Gooners will want to see that dream come true.

Cesc Fabregas

The prodigal son returns from returning? Regardless of your take on how he left the club his talent cannot be denied. Many would argue that we have no room for him at Arsenal but the same was argued when Barcelona were robbing buying him from us for a pittance £30m. Cesc managed to force his way into the Barcelona first team and he would certainly be able to find a new place in the Arsenal team should he return.

Antoine Griezmann

French football’s newest star and one of La Liga’s best players outside the top three. Sixteen league goals for Real Sociedad this season makes him the top scorer in La Liga not playing for the top three clubs – and he isn’t even a striker.

A skilful and fast left winger who can play across the front line, Antoine possesses an excellent first touch, has technique coming out of his ears and is dangerous in front of goal – it’s no surprise why all the top clubs in Europe are watching him.

Griezmann has previously stated his desire to move to a bigger club, giving himself 2-3 more years at Sociedad before making that move – this was in 2011. His preference is to stay in Spain but it looks like, if he moves, he’ll be plying his trade in England or France next season and Arsenal supporters should hope he becomes a Gunner as his star is set to rise to the levels of Overmars and Pires.

Attackers

Julian Draxler

Schalke star Julian Draxler has been on the Arsenal radar for a while. Reported to have a £38m release clause, Arsenal would have to spend a great deal of their transfer budget to capture this future world-beater. With exemplary ball control, an eye for a pass and a decent shot, Draxler could be what Arsenal are looking for on the left of their three man attack.

Able to play across midfield and as a false 9, the capture of Draxler would offer Arsenal a multitude of versatility in position and formation. Draxler as a false 9 would bridge the gap between Giroud and the midfield and offer an extra runner beyond and as a winger it could offer Podolski the opportunity to play as a striker.

Karim Benzema

Arsène Wenger has been a fan of Benzema for a long time. Some thing he would be a marginal improvement on Giroud and others think his ability in front of goal is exactly what we need. 22 goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances this season is incredible, especially when you consider he has to share the limelight with Ronaldo and Bale. In this Arsenal team, and as the main man, he could be very dangerous.

Mario Balotelli

Capricious at City, similar stuff at AC Milan but when he is on form and in the right frame of mind he is unplayable. With the right framework and management he could be one of Europe’s most deadly forwards.

Marco Reus

This young German star is already one of the world’s best attackers and has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 33 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this term. Despite playing most of those games on the wing the noises coming from Arsenal are that they believe he can be converted into an out and out centre-forward. Reus can only grow as a player, and will most likely be even better in the future.

Edison Cavani

One of the best strikers in the world but not looking too happy at money bags PSG. Rumoured to be looking for a move to a place he’ll be top dog again and Arsenal could provide him what he is looking for. Clinical in front of goal and with the talent Arsenal boast in midfield you’d be willing to bet he’d be in the golden boot mix in his first season.

So there you have it. The players that made our “dream list” – who would make yours if money wasn’t an object? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.

Edited by Staff Editor